The next day, after the second class, Haizaki Shogo lightly tapped Shimizu Rena on the shoulder. She turned around, her delicate face framed by bright, curious eyes. She didn't speak, but her gaze flickered with quiet questioning.
"Shimizu, this Saturday I'm heading to Taketomi Island with Satsuki and the others. Want to come?"
"With Satsuki? Is anyone else going?"
"Midorima Shintaro, Aomine Daiki, Kuroko Tetsuya, not sure who else yet."
"I'll go. Don't forget to call me on Saturday, Shogo."
"Got it."
She turned back around, resuming her notes, humming a tune Haizaki didn't recognize. She's in a really good mood.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was Friday. On Thursday night, Haizaki received another call from Satsuki Momoi. Two more people had joined the trip, Kagami Taiga and Takao Kazunari. Figures, Midorima and Kuroko must've dragged them along. Thinking about the group, Haizaki found himself more intrigued. Everyone's from Tokyo, so who actually planned this trip? The thought lingered.
Tokyo at night shimmered under neon lights. After leaving the fencing hall, Haizaki and Shimizu grabbed coffee together. He walked her home, confirmed their meeting time, and then headed back alone, bored out of his mind.
=======
Saturday morning, Haizaki slung his already-packed travel bag over his shoulder. "Heading out, Mom." After a quick goodbye, and a brief head rub for the dog, he left.
At the subway station, dressed in a white T-shirt, Haizaki waited. Soon, Shimizu arrived. A white casual blouse paired with a black pleated skirt, simple, yet striking. Without her school uniform's innocence, she carried a subtle, mature charm.
Haizaki smiled. He reached out his hand. She placed hers in his. Together, they boarded the train.
=======
At Ishigaki Port, a tall, dark-skinned boy stood with his hands in his pockets, looking bored. Beside him was a pink-haired girl. It was Aomine Daiki and Momoi.
Soon, a train arrived. Two figures stepped off, Midorima, in a crisp white shirt, carrying his usual composed elegance, and Takao, in a green T-shirt, far more casual.
"Yo, you're early, Midorima."
"I would've been fifteen minutes earlier if not for this idiot."
"Oi, we're already early!" Takao protested.
"If you can be fifteen minutes early, why settle for less?"
A taxi pulled up. Haizaki and Shimizu stepped out, greeting everyone. "Man, with weather this nice, how come the early birds haven't been eaten yet?"
Shimizu giggled, brushing it off as she linked arms with Momoi. "Aomine-kun, Midorima-kun, Takao-kun, good morning!"
"Morning."
"Morning."
"Morning."
Takao looked slightly overwhelmed. Everyone here is kind of amazing. Still, he found himself enjoying the atmosphere.
Fifteen minutes later, another train arrived. Out stepped Kagami in a red T-shirt and right behind him, almost invisible unless you looked closely, Kuroko.
Kuroko stepped forward politely. "Good morning. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"You're here, that's enough. Let's go," Aomine said, already heading toward the boat.
After a 15-minute ride on a speedboat, they arrived at Taketomi Island. White-gold sand. Crystal-clear waters. Golden sunlight. Endless blue skies. It felt like stepping into paradise.
They checked into a hotel, dropped off their bags, then changed into beachwear and headed out. Waiting outside, a traditional water buffalo cart. It carried them slowly around the island. Beside Haizaki, Shimizu lifted her DSLR camera, capturing everything she loved.
Haizaki glanced at the beach ahead and smirked. "Hey. That's the beach up there. Let's get down and have some fun. The cart's nice, but I prefer sunshine, sand, and."
"Yeah!!"
"I'm in."
They didn't even let him finish. Soon, all eight of them stepped onto the sand. The moment their feet touched the beach, the mood shifted instantly. Momoi and Shimizu, in their beach dresses, ran along the shoreline, laughing and splashing in the waves. Their laughter rang bright and carefree.
Haizaki watched them, a faint heat rising in his chest. Then he turned to the others. "How about it? The six of us play a game."
"Hmm?" Aomine (pretending not interested)
"What game?" Kagami (already in)
"Let's hear it." Midorima (neutral as ever)
"Can I skip?" Kuroko (bad feeling about this)
"Game?" Takao (still catching up)
Haizaki grinned. "We race swimming. One minute, whoever swims the farthest wins." He paused. "The two who swim the shortest distance handle the barbecue for everyone tonight." "And crawl back."
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