Arashi found himself in a place where there was nothing but water — just enough that even half of his foot didn't fully submerge. As he turned around, he saw the dream girl, Mizuki, standing there looking straight at him with a gentle smile.
The sight made him blush, and he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked.
She smiled and said, "Look over here, Arashi."
As he followed her gaze, he noticed something strange. The light that used to glow on Mizuki's face was now only half there — the other half had vanished. Arashi's eyes widened in shock.
"What… what is this? I can see half of your face? How is this possible?" he asked, confused and startled.
Mizuki replied calmly, "It's because you saw me somewhere public… and that's why you can only see half of my face."
Arashi's mind immediately went to the aquarium. "Wait… you were at the aquarium, weren't you?" he asked.
She nodded softly. "Yes… that's where you must have seen me."
Arashi said, "Oh… that makes sense. No wonder I only saw half of your face back then."
Mizuki smiled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Yes, that's right, Arashi. You probably didn't even realize it at the time."
He rubbed the back of his head, feeling awkward, his cheeks warming slightly. "By the way… why didn't you come yesterday? I… I was really looking forward to seeing you. I kept thinking about it all day. I was… really excited to meet you."
Mizuki tilted her head with a teasing smile. "Oh, is that so?" she said softly. "You… were really that eager, huh? Waiting and counting the hours just for me? That's… kind of funny, actually."
Arashi blinked, feeling his heart beat faster. "I-It's not funny! I… I just wanted to see you, okay?"
She chuckled lightly, the sound like a gentle ripple over water. "Hmm… okay, I'll let you have that. But you really do seem… desperate to meet me. That's adorable."
Arashi groaned, hiding his face with his hands. "A-Adorable?! Really? You're teasing me on purpose!"
Mizuki laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe I am… maybe I'm not. You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"
Arashi said, "Alright… but I have a few questions for you. Can I ask them?"
Mizuki smiled gently. "Go ahead."
He took a deep breath. "Can I… share things about you with others?"
Mizuki chuckled softly. "Is that even a question? Of course you can. In fact, I've already told all my friends about you, so it's no problem at all."
Arashi nodded, slightly relieved. "Okay… thanks."
He hesitated, his cheeks turning red as he fidgeted awkwardly. "Um… can I… meet you in person?"
Mizuki's eyes sparkled with a teasing light. "Oh… so you want to meet me?"
Arashi swallowed hard. "Yes."
She nodded. "Sure."
"Really?" he asked, still surprised.
"Yes," she replied calmly.
Arashi's blush deepened. "I thought… I thought you wouldn't say yes. But you agreed… well, I should thank you. So… when and where?"
She smiled mysteriously. "Alright… tomorrow, come to the beach. I'll meet you there. But how exactly? I can't tell you that."
Arashi grinned a little, relieved. "Actually, I had plans to go to the beach with some friends anyway tomorrow, so it'll work out. Don't worry."
Mizuki tilted her head, curious. "By the way… why did you want to meet me?"
Arashi took a shaky breath, his hands clenching slightly at his sides. His eyes locked onto hers, sincere but tinged with nervous excitement. "Mizuki… I don't just want to meet you because it's possible, or because it's convenient… I want to meet you because… every time I see you in my dreams, I realize how much I'm… missing you. Not just seeing you, not just talking to you… I want to be near you, feel like you're really here… with me. And… I can't stop thinking that if I don't try now, I might never get the chance to feel that again."
He swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a soft, almost trembling whisper. "So… please. Let me see you tomorrow. Not as a dream… but as you, Mizuki. Really you."
Mizuki's lips parted slightly, her eyes wide, and a pink flush spread across her cheeks. She looked away for a second, then back at him, unable to hide the tiny, breathless smile forming on her lips. Her heartbeat suddenly felt like it was echoing in the air between them.
Mizuki's cheeks deepened to a soft pink, her eyes darting away for a moment as if she were trying to hide the sudden flutter in her chest. Then, without looking directly at him, she spoke, her voice low and slightly breathless.
"…Arashi… you… you really mean that?"
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers.
She bit her lip, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve, and a small, almost shy laugh escaped her. "I… I never thought someone would… feel that way about me," she admitted softly, her words trembling just slightly.
Then, her eyes met his again, bright and sparkling despite the blush. "…Fine. Tomorrow… I'll be there. But… don't think I'll make it easy for you," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Arashi's heart skipped a beat at that teasing, and he couldn't help but smile. "I wouldn't want it any other way," he whispered.
Mizuki's lips curved into a small, shy smile, and for a moment, the world felt impossibly still — just the two of them, the space between them charged with a warmth neither of them could ignore.
Mizuki's blush deepened slightly, and she gave him one last, soft smile. "Alright, Arashi… I have to go now," she said, her voice gentle but tinged with reluctance.
Arashi felt a pang in his chest. "…Already?" he asked, his voice quiet, almost pleading.
She nodded, her eyes locking with his for a brief moment. "Yes… but remember what I said. Tomorrow… the beach."
He swallowed hard, nodding. "I won't forget."
Mizuki stepped back slowly, the fog around her starting to swirl and fade. "…See you soon, Arashi," she whispered.
And just like that, the dream began to dissolve, the world of water and mist slipping away.
Arashi's chest tightened, and he called out, "Wait… Mizuki!"
But it was too late. The last shimmer of her smile vanished, leaving only the soft echo of her voice in his ears.
Then, with a sudden jolt, Arashi opened his eyes. Sunlight spilled into his room, and the quiet hum of morning replaced the dream's ethereal silence.
He sat up, taking a shaky breath, his heart still racing. "…She… really said she'll meet me," he murmured, a mixture of disbelief and excitement coursing through him.
His fingers brushed against the blanket as if holding onto her presence, and a small, awed smile tugged at his lips. "…Tomorrow… the beach," he whispered again, already feeling the anticipation building in his chest.
Arashi practically jumped out of bed the moment he woke up, still breathless from the dream. Without wasting a second, he grabbed his phone and dialed Miyu.
"Miyu! What time are we leaving? Tell me quickly."
On the other side, Miyu sounded half-asleep and fully annoyed.
"Arashi… are you out of your mind? It's six in the morning. We're not leaving right now. Calm down and wait. It's too early."
Arashi groaned. "But I can't wait!"
Miyu snapped, "Just wait. I'll call you later. Don't drive me crazy this early."
Click.
She hung up.
Arashi stared at the phone, frustrated. "Man… maybe I shouldn't have woken up this early."
But the excitement in his chest refused to go away.
Trying to calm himself, Arashi headed to the kitchen. Soft morning light filled the house, giving everything a peaceful glow — completely opposite from the storm of emotions inside him.
He opened the fridge, pulled out ingredients, and started making breakfast.
Eggs sizzling. Bread toasting.The normal sounds of the kitchen helped him breathe normally again… at least a little.
As he set the plates on the table, Ayane walked out of her room, still sleepy, hair messy, eyes half open.
"Arashi… why do you look like you're powered by rocket fuel this early?" she asked, yawning.
Arashi laughed awkwardly. "Nothing… I just felt like making breakfast. Here."
Ayane raised an eyebrow. "You? In a good morning mood? That's suspicious. Is it because of someone… special like your dream girl?"
Arashi instantly blushed and looked away. "N-no. It's just… routine."
Ayane chuckled softly. "Sure. Whatever you say. But thanks for breakfast."
They sat together and ate quietly. They talked a little — school stuff, weather, normal things — but Arashi's mind kept jumping back to the dream… to Mizuki… to the beach… every few seconds.
Ayane finally noticed. "You look really distracted. Something wrong?"
Arashi shook his head quickly. "No, everything's fine."
Ayane narrowed her eyes in suspicion but didn't push further.
While Arashi was washing dishes, his phone buzzed.
"Miyu calling…"
He instantly grabbed it. "Hello?! When are we leaving?!"
Miyu sighed heavily. "Arashi, calm down. We're leaving soon. Just get ready, check your stuff, pack what you need. And listen—"
Her tone became unusually serious.
"Don't do anything stupid just because you're excited. We'll go soon, alright? Just hold on a bit more."
Arashi's heartbeat picked up again. "Okay… but please hurry."
Miyu softened slightly. "Yeah yeah, I get it. Your patience is zero. I'll text you when we're actually about to leave. Be ready by then."
She hung up.
Arashi stood there holding his phone, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation written all over his face.
"…Mizuki… I'm actually going to meet you today," he whispered.
His heart pounded even faster.
A little while later, Arashi heard loud knocking on the door.
"Arashi! Open up!" Miyu shouted from outside.
Ayane peeked from the hallway. "Looks like everyone is here."
Arashi grabbed his stuff and rushed out. Miyu, Hina, Satoru and Takumi were standing there with annoyed-but-awake expressions.
Miyu crossed her arms. "Finally. Let's go before you explode."
They set off together, heading toward the beach in the cool morning breeze. The closer they got, the faster Arashi's heart beat — his friends thought he was excited for the trip, but his mind was on someone else entirely.
The car ride to the beach was loud, chaotic, and full of everyone talking over each other.
Hina was the most excited, practically bouncing in her seat.Miyu was complaining about the heat.Takumi and Satoru were arguing about which snacks to eat first.Ayane sat calmly, watching the chaos.And Arashi… was silently staring outside, lost in his own world.
As soon as the group stepped onto the sand, the fresh ocean breeze blew across their faces.
Hina spread her arms wide. "Woooow! The water looks so pretty today!"
Satoru smirked. "You say that every single time."
Takumi laughed. "Let her enjoy, man. It's her personality."
Miyu kicked off her sandals and stretched. "Okay, team. Let's set the spot here before someone steals it."
Ayane nodded. "Yeah, this area is perfect. Not too crowded, not too empty."
Arashi placed his bag down quietly, but his eyes were already drifting far across the beach, scanning every corner.
Hina noticed. "Arashi, you look distracted. You okay?"
Arashi blinked. "Ah? Yeah. Just… taking in the view."
Miyu didn't buy it. "You're acting weird today. Don't tell me you forgot something important?"
Arashi shook his head quickly. "No, no… nothing like that."
They began setting up — laying mats, placing their bags, adjusting the umbrella.
Takumi stretched his arms. "Alright! First activity: water fight!"
Everyone laughed.
Except Arashi.
He laughed lightly with them, but his eyes……kept drifting away.…kept searching.…kept hoping.
Once they moved closer to the water:
Takumi shouted, "Race you to the waves!"
Hina: "You're on!"
They both sprinted.
Satoru muttered, "Children…"
Ayane smiled softly. "You're the same as them, don't act mature."
Miyu nudged Arashi. "Come on! Don't stand like a statue. Play a bit."
Arashi nodded. "Yeah, I'm coming."
But the moment they got closer to the waves…
Arashi's eyes started scanning again.
A girl with long hair?He stared.She turned.Not Mizuki.
A girl with similar height?He stepped forward.She walked away.Not her.
A faint glow?No. That was just sunlight.
While his friends splashed each other:
Hina screamed, "TAKUMI STOP THROWING WATER AT MY HAIR!"Takumi: "But it's fun!"Satoru: "You two are embarrassing."Miyu: "Satoru, join them or shut up."Ayane: "This group is impossible…"
Arashi slowly walked away a few steps, pretending he was just stretching.
But his heart was racing again.
Mizuki… where…? You said you'd be here.
He walked along the shoreline, sand shifting beneath his feet, water touching his ankles. Every few meters, he looked back — making sure his friends didn't notice.
He checked near the rocks.No one.Checked near the shallow water.Only kids playing.Checked near the crowd.No familiar face.
His chest tightened slightly.
Did I misunderstand?… Is she really here?
Hina was arranging the cooler, Miyu was teasing Takumi about his ridiculous sunhat, Ayane was folding a towel neatly, and Satoru was trying to avoid getting splashed.
Arashi stood quietly for a moment, eyes scanning the beach. His heart was pounding in a way he couldn't ignore.
Finally, he straightened and turned to the group. His voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an urgency behind it.
"Hey… you guys, wait here. I'll be right back, okay?"
Miyu frowned immediately. "Wait, what? Where are you going?"
Arashi shook his head slightly, forcing a smile. "Just… walking a bit. I'll be back soon."
Ayane tilted her head, sensing his unusual tone. "Are you sure? You look… distracted."
Arashi nodded once. "Yeah, don't worry. I'll be back."
He didn't give any other explanation.No reasons. No questions. Nothing.
Before anyone could argue further, he turned and sprinted lightly along the sand, moving past the mats and umbrellas, ignoring the shouts of his friends.
Arashi's eyes scanned every corner of the beach. Every group of people, every rock, every shaded spot he moved carefully but quickly, as if the slightest delay could make him miss her.
He passed kids building sandcastles, couples walking hand-in-hand, joggers running along the shoreline. Nothing. Not a hint. Not a shadow.
He walked, and then ran, then stopped and squinted at the distant waves. Still nothing.
He circled around the entire beach, back and forth, each step heavier than the last. His heart was pounding not just from the sprint, but from the restless hope and anxiety that had been building all morning.
Finally, after what felt like hours, he slowed, his chest tight, and leaned down, hands on his knees.
"Maybe… maybe she's not here…"
He let out a shaky breath, ready to turn back toward his friends, defeated, when he heard it.
Soft. Gentle. Clear.
The group had just finished setting up their spot on the beach. The sun was climbing slowly, the waves rolling gently, and everyone was laughing and talking.
Hina was arranging the cooler, Miyu was teasing Takumi about his ridiculous sunhat, Ayane was folding a towel neatly, and Satoru was trying to avoid getting splashed.
Arashi stood quietly for a moment, eyes scanning the beach. His heart was pounding in a way he couldn't ignore.
Finally, he straightened and turned to the group. His voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an urgency behind it.
"Hey… you guys, wait here. I'll be right back, okay?"
Miyu frowned immediately. "Wait, what? Where are you going?"
Arashi shook his head slightly, forcing a smile. "Just… walking a bit. I'll be back soon."
Ayane tilted her head, sensing his unusual tone. "Are you sure? You look… distracted."
Arashi nodded once. "Yeah, don't worry. I'll be back."
He didn't give any other explanation.No reasons. No questions. Nothing.
Before anyone could argue further, he turned and sprinted lightly along the sand, moving past the mats and umbrellas, ignoring the shouts of his friends.
The Search
Arashi's eyes scanned every corner of the beach. Every group of people, every rock, every shaded spot — he moved carefully but quickly, as if the slightest delay could make him miss her.
He passed kids building sandcastles, couples walking hand-in-hand, joggers running along the shoreline. Nothing. Not a hint. Not a shadow.
He walked, and then ran, then stopped and squinted at the distant waves. Still nothing.
He circled around the entire beach, back and forth, each step heavier than the last. His heart was pounding not just from the sprint, but from the restless hope and anxiety that had been building all morning.
Finally, after what felt like hours, he slowed, his chest tight, and leaned down, hands on his knees.
"Maybe… maybe she's not here…"
He let out a shaky breath, ready to turn back toward his friends, defeated, when he heard it.
The Voice Behind Him
Soft. Gentle. Clear.
"Arashi."
He froze mid-step, heart leaping. Slowly, cautiously, he turned around.
And there she was.
Mizuki. Standing there, a few steps behind him. Exactly as he had imagined. Her hair glinting in the morning light, her eyes calm and bright, her smile warm and familiar — the same smile from his dream.
"So… how does it feel to finally meet me?" she said softly, playful yet gentle, as she watched him.
Arashi's chest tightened painfully. Words failed him. His friends, the waves, even the sun — all faded away. There was only her.
He wanted to speak. To run. To collapse. But all he could do was stare, his heart thundering, mind spinning, completely lost in the miracle standing in front of him.
He froze mid-step, heart leaping. Slowly, cautiously, he turned around.
And there she was.
Mizuki. Standing there, a few steps behind him. Exactly as he had imagined. Her hair glinting in the morning light, her eyes calm and bright, her smile warm and familiar — the same smile from his dream.