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The bright sun lit over the ocean. The water sparkled, light dancing over the surface with gentle waves rushing up to touch the sand. It was hot but a nice cool breeze made up for the warm temperature.
"We're finally at the beach!" Kagiura exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. His garment consists of brown shorts and a small bag strapped to his back.
Hirano on the other hand hid behind dark shades, his checkered shirt open with dark blue shorts and he held onto his bag with one hand.
"Let's get settled then." Hirano smiled, he was happy he got to spend some time with the tall brunette. They haven't gone out together in a while, mostly busy with school work and tired study sessions. So this was a nice change of pace, which warmed his heart.
"I can't wait to get in the water!" Kagi started to jog towards the ocean, but Hirano stopped him by the arm, and the tall one looked back in surprise.
"Put on some sunscreen first."
"I'm fine." Kagi responded, eager to get out of the heat and into the cool water. Though he didn't make a move, not wanting Hirano to let go of him.
"No you're not." Hirano took out the sunscreen from his bag after rummaging through it. "If you don't apply some, I'll do it for you." Hirano argued as he put some sunscreen on his hand, rubbed them together and softly padded Kagiura's cheeks, in small circular motions.
It's fine, I can do it myself. Is what Kagiura was going to say, but didn't, realizing that if he did, Hirano would stop touching his face with his soft delicate hands, and he didn't want that. His face suddenly flushed bright red and his heart began to race at the gentle contact, as the tall brunette couldn't help but just stand there and watch Hirano while the blond did the rest of his face before putting the cream away in his bag, not phased at all by his actions.
Kagiura covered his face with his hand, his head tilted down. How does he not realize what he does to me? Kagiura tried to calm his heart, his face still red.
"What's wrong?" Hirano tilted his head, and when Kagiura looked up he couldn't help but notice how cute the gesture was. Every. Single. Thing he does... is too much! And he's so oblivious to it all! The brunette felt both embarrassed and done at the same time and didn't know how to deal with his emotions. So he tried to ignore it. This is completely normal, he repeated to himself in his head.
"Nothing." He smiled back. "Now that we're all good, let's go swimming!" He excitedly pointed to the bright shining ocean that felt so inviting, and obviously called out to them.
"They should arrive any moment now though." Hirano took out his phone.
"Fine then, you stay here and wait, and I'll go." He took a step forward but was immediately stopped in his tracks by a firm hand on his shoulder, and he looked back, eyes curious.
"No way are you just going to have fun while I sit here." Hirano looked back dead in the eye.
Kagira started to pout, but just before he could say anything in response, someone called out to them, and both boys turned to see who it was.
Miyano joins them first, telling them Sasaki is gonna be there in a sec. Hirano introduces him to his roommate which Miiyano suddenly gets excited about, eyes sparkling. "So you're Hirano's roommate!" He clapped his hands together enthusiastically.
"Yep, I'm Kagiura, nice to meet you!" Miyano took his hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you too! I've heard so much about you!" The tall brunette brightened at that statement. "You have?" And he also excitedly took Miyano's hand with both of his.
'No you haven't.' Hirano uttered in his head, but didn't voice it out.
"There's so much I wanna talk with you about!" Miyano motioned for him to follow him at the shade of their umbrella so they could talk one on one. He really wanted to know more about the relationship Hirano had with his roommate. But Kagi also had his own thoughts. He knew about Sasaki and Miyano being together and also wanted relationship advice, so he happily trotted over to the raven-haired and sat down next to him.
Hirano tightened his lips as he knew this day was bound to come.
"So" Miyano leaned forward. "Tell me, how far have you gotten with Hirano-san?" Kagiura had his hands on his lap and looked down. "Well, nothing's really happened, we're still just friends."
"Oh, really?" Miyano thought one of them would have made a move by now, seeing as how long they've been together.
"So I was wondering," Kagiura continued, looking back at the smaller boy. "How did you and Sasaki end up together?"
"Eh?" Miyano startled, and blushed. He didn't expect the conversation to go this way.
"Please, I want to know, so I can try to make things work between Hirano and me." He explained, fidgeting his fingers together.
"Um..." Miyano looked down, twirling with his own fingers too. "Well, Shuumei-san and I were friends for a long time too before we got together..."
"Really?"
"Yeah," Miyano smiled back at the tall brunette. "So there's no need to worry if you're taking things slow, it's perfectly normal. You don't have to rush it, take the time you need, and you'll eventually get there, I'm sure!"
Hearing this really warmed Kagi's heart. He felt like he could still have a chance with Hirano. He was already taking steps forward, but he'd thought that it wasn't the right thing to do. But hearing that he's not the only one who took it slow relieved him, and he felt a surge of confidence swell up inside him.
Sasaki finally joined the group. Miyano and Kagi went back to join just as Sasaki arrived.
"Yo Hirano!" The ginger waved with one hand, grinning.
But the brunette and the blond just stared back at him dumbfounded, mouth slightly agape and mind blank.
Sasaki put the little girl he'd been holding down when they'd reached their friends.
"Who's this?" Hirano finally asked the question floating in his mind.
"This is Hana." Sasaki smiled and put his hand on the little girl's head, who looked up at them with bright eyes, holding onto Sasaki's shorts.
"Hana, this is uncle Hirano and uncle Kagiura!"
"Don't give us weird nicknames." Hirano retorted, clapping his hand on his hip in annoyance.
"Hi uncle Hirano and uncle Kagiura!" Hana repeated cheerfully, waving at them.
"Is that your daughter?" Kagi pretended to question, looking serious.
Hirano gave the brunette a deadpan look.
"Yep!" Sasaki happily responded.
"Wow, your daughter is so cute!" Kagi clapped his hands together, smiling.
"I know, right!" Sasaki beamed a toothy grin.
Miyano face-palmed, though he had a tiny smile on his face too. This was definitely going to be an interesting day.
So they sat down at the spot they'd settled on, taking out their stuff; their towels, books, and some toys for Hana who happily grabbed them.
"Let's make a sand castle!" She cheered, pumping her fist in the air, holding her shovel.
"Okay!" Sasaki responded, and so they started working on their project, the rest of the gang helping put too.
But suddenly Kagi spotted a group playing beach volleyball, and his itch for a sports activity tickled at him. "Hey, let's go join them! It'll be fun!" He pointed at the group.
"I guess we can ask them." Hirano pondered, patting the top of the sand castle to smooth it.
"Cool!" The tall brunette immediately got up and trotted over to the other friend group. He gingerly yet excitedly asked them if they could join, to which the group of friends gladly accepted'; the more, the merrier' they'd told him, and so Kagiura waved back at his friends to tell them it was good.
They all greeted each other happily, making quick conversation and introducing each other, before they'd decided on a draw to find out who'd go in which team.
"One of us has to watch over Hana, so let's take turns playing." Miyano voiced out. He held onto little Hana's hand.
"I wanna play!" Hana pulled on Miyano's hand.
Miyano knelt down next to her with a warm smile. "You're too little, the ball could hurt you." He brushed the bangs behind her ear.
"No fair." She pouted, her cheeks puffed up like a little hamster, holding her arms down stiff.
"Why don't we make animal figures in the sand together!" The raven-haired cheered, trying to brighten up her mood. "Would you like that?"
Hana instantly brightened up, glad that she wasn't left out of the fun, and happily agreed.
"Can I join?" Kagiura trotted up to them. It was all part of his plan to show Hirano he could be responsible too. He'd show that he could be the dependable older brother figure, and Hirano won't want to baby him anymore. Or so he thought. "You can go play first Miyano-san, then we can trade places."
"Okay" Miyano did want to play volleyball with the rest of the group, so he was happy he could get an out for now.
He turned to Hana. "You can play with uncle Kagiura-san first, then I'll join you." He ruffled her hair.
Hana hesitated a bit, unsure about being with someone she doesn't know well, but Miyano and Sasaki wouldn't be out of her sight. So she agreed. "Okay."
They sat down on the soft sand, just a few meters away from the volleyball team, soft laughing echoed through the air as they gathered into their respective teams.
"Aaaww!! No fair!" Sasaki whined, slumping over. "I'm not on Miya-chan's team!" He finished, drawing out his voice dramatically.
"That's just how the draw happened, randomly, so stop complaining." Hirano responded, and Sasaki slumped over the blond one's shoulder. "Get off of me." The blond shoved the redhead back.
Miyano chuckled at their antics, and at how cute his boyfriend acted when he'd show his childish side. He found that side of him so adorable.
"How are they so cute and hot at the same time?" Honoka, the sturdy black-haired girl sighed, cupping her cheek.
"Aw, I wish the tall brunette - Kagiura was his name? - could have joined us, I really wanted to play with him." Mai, her short frilly-haired friend added.
"They all seem pretty close, do you think they could be more than friends?" Ichika, the tall blond questioned, fidgeting with her fingers, a habit of hers.
"Well if that's the case, none of us have a chance." The black-haired girl sighed again.
They started a game, once everyone found their place.
"I look forward to playing with you." Hirano smiled politely at the tall blond.
"Me too." She fidgeted nervously, darting her eyes to the side.
"Don't worry, she's actually pretty strong despite her shyness!" Honoka called out, cupping her hands around her mouth.
"Don't embarrass me like that..." Ichika scoffed, and her friend laughed loudly with her hands on her hips.
The game started. Honoka served the ball, and just as she predicted, Ichika quickly jumped and threw it back with both force and grace back at them. Mai barely retrieved the ball, tossing it to Miyano. He retrieved it nicely and sent it over. Hirano caught it, tossing it to Sasaki who was the closest to him, and Sasaki tossed it over to Ichika, who once again made a perfect toss, landing their team's first points.
"Nice throw!" Hirano praised, sending her a thumbs up.
"Yeah, you're good!" Sasaki added with a cheer.
Ichika looked away, intertwining her fingers together. "Thanks."
Honoka tossed the ball again, sending it to Miyano. Miyano, feeling pumped up now, wanted to try the same toss Ichika did. He jumped up and slammed his hand against the ball. It wasn't as powerful as the tall blond, easy for the other team to retrieve. Sasaki was the closest to the ball and could have easily gotten it, yet he swiftly dodged to the side, and it fell to the ground, earning Miyano's team points.
"What the hell was that Sasaki!" Hirano retorted, fist up as if ready to plant it on Sasaki's face.
"Miya-chan's throw was too strong for me~!" Sasaki stuck out his tongue playfully picking up the ball.
Honoka let out a hearty laugh, unable to contain it, holding onto Mai's shoulder, and Mai brought a hand to her mouth in pretend shock. "Oh my." Her face dead-pan.
Ichika twirled her foot in agitation, slightly upset, but was too reserved to voice out her opinion, so she just quietly sulked, her lips tight and her head tilted low to hide behind her bangs.
Miyano ruffled the back of his head in embarrassment, not sure what he should do or say.
"Let's continue!" Honoka called, waving her hand.
"Sure," Hirano replied.
They continued to play, both teams ending with a draw in the first round.
Meanwhile Kagi was playing with little Hana.
Hana had sculpted little anime figures in the sand, and was very proud of her creations. Kagiura tried to guess them.
"Is this one a cat?" He pointed at one. It had short pointy ears, so that's what came to mind.
"It's a fox." Hana frowned and pursed her lips together, upset that the boy couldn't figure out her art piece.
"Oh, okay." Kagiura smiled apologetically. "It's a very pretty fox."
He pointed to another one. "This one's a dog!"
"It's a wolf."
Hana grew more agitated as the tall boy kept messing up all her little creations, which slowly upset her. She balled up her fist, her eyes losing her excited spark.
"I want Shuu..." She muttered after a while, looking down. She grabbed at the sand, not sure why she was feeling upset, but she felt it nonetheless, and needed to grab onto something in response.
"He's busy," Kagi replied softly, petting her head, trying to comfort her. But it didn't seem to work, it might even have had the opposite effect as her eyes started to get watery.
"I want Shuu..." She repeated a little louder, her voice wobbly with emotion.
"He'll be back soon," Kagiura himself was also getting upset, not sure how to go about this situation, and realized how helpless he felt, unable to do anything for her.
Hana suddenly started crying out, repeating her sentences over and over, which brought everyone's attention and concern. Sasaki startled at the sudden cry, jogged over to join Kagi and Hana with Miyano quickly trailing behind him, his body instinctively moving without even realizing it.
Sasaki knelt down and cradled her to his chest, patting her back soothingly. "I'm here, what's wrong?" Miyano knelt down too, one hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, worry written all over his face.
Hana hiccuped into her tears, not even knowing why she was crying anymore. But her cry slowly died down, feeling reassured by familiar arms around her, until she stopped completely. Sasaki sighed in relief and Miyano put his hand down too, both of their expressions softening.
"I'm sorry about that..." Kagiura looked down in shame, gripping his swim shorts
Miyano stood up and placed a hand on Kagi's shoulders. "You have nothing to be sorry for. These kind of things happen, it's not your fault, really." Miyano gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He knew how Kagi felt too. He would also feel helpless if he can't help out someone, especially a child, so that's why he doesn't want his friend to feel bad. Kagiura wasn't completely convinced though, glancing back at the raven-haired boy with troubled eyes.
"Miyano's right." Hirano joined them. "These things happen. You did great!" Kagiura's eyes widened. Here he thought Hirano would look down on him for the incompetence. He didn't expect to see a warm and loving smile instead. His heart fluttered at the gesture. Hirano is so kind. The blond gave a reassuring ruffle to his roommate's head, smiling softly, and Kagiura couldn't help but close his eyes in happiness. He instinctively hugged hugged the blond unable to stop himself. It took Hirano by surprised, but he didn't mind it at all, a small blush flushing on his face at the proximity.
The group of boys exchanged numbers with the girls, saying they had fun and would like to hang out again, to which the girls happily accepted, before they headed back to their spot on the beach.
"I'm gonna go get us some drinks then!" Kagiura waves at his friends once they'd decided on a few drink orders, and he trotted to the nearby open cafe. But just after taking a few steps a familiar figure catches at the corner of his eye. And he abruptly stops.
"Nibashi!" He exclaimed.
The said redhead lifted his sunglasses. He was laying under the shade of his umbrella, a book sprawled on his lap.
"Oh, it's you Kagi-san?"
"I didn't expect you to be here." The tall brunette walked up and knelt down next to him.
"Same for me." He straightened up, crossing his legs. He calmly watched his friend who had a big smile on his face, and so he deduced something. "So, you out on your date?"
"Yup! And not just us, we're on a double date with Hirano's friends."
"Wow."
Kagiura got up. "So I was gonna go get us some drinks, wanna come?"
"I don't wanna ruin your date." Nibashi picked up his book ready to get back to it.
"You won't." Kagi then looked glumly down. "It's not like anything gonna happen between us anyways."
Nibashi tilted his head to watch his friend, then sighed. He hated seeing Kagi like that. He wanted the best for his friend. Maybe having my company will reassure him, he thought. It was the least he could do if that's what he wanted. "Fine, I'll join you, if it'll make you happy."
Kagiura immediately brightened up and thanked him. The tall one helped his friend up and they walked together to the cafe.
"So what brings you here? Are you out on a date too?" Kagi wondered, making conversation.
Nibashi gave him an exasperated look before replying. "I'm visiting my grandparents. They live near here, and they told me to go enjoy myself at the beach, since I rarely get to go to it. I wasn't going to at first, I did come to see them after all, but they really insisted, so I guess I just accepted in the end."
Kagiura voiced an 'oh' in understanding, and they entered the cafe, the doorbell ringing at their arrival. The place was small but felt welcoming. A small line led up to the counter, so they patiently waited in line, chatting about whatever came to mind.
Once they'd gotten close enough, the clerks' eyes fell on Nibashi and he couldn't help but look at him, mesmerized, but still tried as best as he could to be subtle about it. He had a tall but thin build, olive toned skin and blue eyes, and long jet black hair held up in a tiny ponytail.
"How may I help you?" He asked, once it was their turn, a happy smile on his face. They gave out their order and he quickly registered it, then went backdoor. His colleague had noticed the look he was giving their customer. "Didn't expect you to be a Romeo." He teased, shoving his friend's shoulder. "Shut it." Replied the other.
He went back to his service. "Alright, here are your ice-teas and jus. Please come back anytime." The dark-haired clerk handed them their drinks, and glanced at Nibashi as he said that last part of his sentence. "And this is for you." He simpered and handed Nibashi a piece of paper, blushing slightly. Nibashi smiled back at him but didn't say anything more, and they left.
"Wow, I didn't know you were the type to get hit on like that." Kagirua's step was light as they headed back to the group.
"Happens from time to time." Nibash responded, though he didn't seem bothered by it. He fiddled with the piece of paper absentmindedly.
"So you're the popular type huh?" Kagi watched him in high spirits, eyes sparkling.
"I guess so." A light blush flitted across the red-head's cheeks.
Once they arrived, Kagi gave Hirano his drink and sat next to him. Hirano gladly took the cool can and swiftly opened it. They greeted their newly arrived friend, to which Nibashi simply waved back at them, not much of a talker himself.
"Wow, we keep making more and more friends today!" Sasaki cheerfully voiced, and Miyano chuckled.
Hirano took a sip from his drink then looked at Kagiura who was staring ahead, lost in thought. I wonder if he's still feeling down from what happened. Hirano just wanted him to have fun today, and misses Kagi's bright smile. He ruffled the tall one's head, who looked back surprised.
"I enjoyed today, thanks for inviting me." Hirano smiled at Kagiura. The tall one's eyes softened and he leaned his head on the blond one's shoulders, who didn't mind it. Hirano felt a soft feeling pouring inside him that he couldn't really describe but it made him feel happy. "I'm glad then." Kagiura closed his eyes, a gentle smile on his lips. He hopes they can stay like this for a bit.
"By the way, you guys haven't gone swimming yet, have you?" Hirano wondered, as they finished up their drinks.
"Not yet, no." Miyano answered.
"You guys should go then." Hirano replied, tilting his head towards the small sleeping figure. "We'll look after her while she's sleeping, and if she wakes up, we'll call you."
They looked at each other, then nodded. "That'd be nice, thanks Hirano!" Sasaki said.
"No prob."
Sasaki smiling brightly, held out his hand to Miyano who took it, and they jogged to the cool ocean water together, their feet softly patting the soft sand in rhythm, before splashing into the water.
"Aaaah! Feels so nice!" Sasaki exclaimed, throwing water into the air. Miyano mirrored his response, giggling as some water hit him.
They played a bit, and Sasaki swiftly picked up Miyano by the waist, who let out a surprised yelp, but quickly wrapped his arms around his tall boyfriend. The ginger stole a quick kiss and laughed as he noticed Miyano's messy hair, who told him to 'stop laughing'. He put Miyano down. They hadn't gone too far and still had footing, with water up to their waist.
Miyano wrapped his arms around Sasaki in a hug, watching his beautiful amber eyes. "I had so much fun today, thank you."
Sasaki couldn't get over how cute his boyfriend was and just had to steal another kiss. "I did too." He cupped Miyano's cheek and brushed the water from his face. "And the day's not over yet." His smile turned playful. "We still have plenty of time to do many other things."
"Of course you'd say that." Miyano blushed, and Sasaki laughed in response.
After some time enjoying the nice ocean, they went back to their group of friends and dried themselves.
Kagiura was still sleeping on Hirano's shoulder while the blond was reading a book, and Hana was curled right next to Hirano's lap. Sasaki couldn't help but notice how they were the ones that looked like a family just then, and smiled softly at the thought.
Nibashi gave them a wave when they came back. He was settled next to Kagi, still enjoying his drink. Hirano gave them a nod, and they nodded back, as to not wake up Hana.
Sasaki and Miyano went to sit next to Hana, and Miyano handed his boyfriend the manga he'd brought, which they'd enjoy together, leaning against each other.
Time went peacefully by until it evening and time for them to all head home. So they gathered their stuff, Hana waved bye to the ocean, earning chuckles from the boys, before they set off.
"Today was so much fun!" Kagi voiced, he swayed his arms as they walked down the quiet evening street.
"It was!" Miyano added, walking next to him with a bright smile. "We'll have to meet up again! Wanna go to a cafe next time? There's so much I wanna talk to you about!" He babbled excitedly, and Kagiura nodded in agreement. "I'd love that!"
Hirano sighed knowing that there was no stopping Miyano once he started, and Sasaki chuckled at Hirano's response. He held Hana's hand as they walked, and she voiced that she wanted to go back to the beach as soon as possible. "We'll try to go again!" Sasaki agreed.
"Well, this is where I leave you guys." Nibashi said as they arrived at a crossroad. His grandparents lived near the area so he'd walk the rest of the way from here, but everyone else would be taking the train back home.
"Alright, see ya at school!" Kagi waved, and Nibashi waved back, giving him a warm smile and a quiet 'good luck' to which Kagiura blushed. "See you later," Hirano added, and everyone else said goodbye too.
The train ride back was soft and quiet. The evening rays gently shone through the wide windows, giving a red-ish tint to the walls and seats. Miyano was starting to feel drowsy, so he leaned his head on Sasaki's shoulders, with Hana quietly settled on the ginger's lap too. Hirano and Kagi were sat across from them.
"They really do look like a couple." Kagi quietly mused.
"Hm." Hirano agreed. Then a thought crossed his mind. "So you want to do this with me too?"
"Yeah, and all kinds of different things." Kagi smiled softly looking down at his intertwined hands.
Hirano didn't know what to make of it at first, but as Kagiura laid his head on his shoulder (after getting permission), the blond realized that he enjoyed this too, and that he wouldn't mind at all if they did grow closer together. He crossed his fingers. After all, he already enjoyed Kagi's company and friendship and love as it is now. Wouldn't he want more of it? He let that thought ponder in his head.
The sun softly glinted in the sky, birds' singing echoed through the soft breeze from a tree beyond the railway as the train continued to softly trudge along.