Chapter 8

……

(Hmm… We’ve got T-shirts, towels, and baseball hats. If we added handmade goods onto that, what would be a good fit?)

(Accessories made with seashells might be… too basic. But it’s not like we have to be totally original. We can stick to stuff.)

(…Mm? I hear footsteps coming this way. Are one of them coming back?)

What’s up? I’m still just looking stuff up, as you can s—

I found you, Yuu-kuuuuun!

Gweh—Izumi-san?! Huh? Huh? What are you doing here?!

Ufufu, I was so disappointed when I didn’t see you at the park!

But I never thought I’d find you at the beach, so I guess this is just a happy little accident ♪

Th–the park…? Oh, because yesterday I got that call saying we’d meet up at the park to talk about the merch. Wait, does that mean you were eavesdropping on me, Izumi-san?

You make it sound so bad when you say it like that. You were just talking on the phone, so I just, y’know, listened in to see who it was and what you were talking about.

No, that’s literally eavesdropping, isn’t it?!

Ngh… So why are you at the beach, then? It didn’t sound like you had any idea that I was here, right?

Yep. Knights is having a shoot for our portrait shots today, so we were already here.

I was looking for you right up until the last minute, but I couldn’t find you. And I sooo didn’t want to do a photoshoot on the beach because of all the trouble of protecting myself from the sun.

But now that you’re here, I’ve suddenly found the motivation I need!

Hey, Yuu-kun. If you’re stuck here all by yourself, why not do the shoot with me? ♪

Wait a sec, I can’t be part of the portrait shots for Knights!

Huh? Right, Knights—Does that mean you’re not alone?

I’m here~ ♪

Gyaah?! Wh–why’d you blow on my neck?! You gave me goosebumps…!

Never mind that—Where’s Maa~kun? If Trickstar’s here, that means Maa~kun is, too. Right?

Oh yeah, Isara-kun’s off with Akehoshi-kun looking for inspiration for merch we can make.

Hmm~? Ah, there he is. Secchan, I’m going over there.

Right, go on now.

And now we’re finally alone, Yuu-kun~… ♪

Can you not say such creepy things?! Actually, what about the other members of Knights? I’m pretty sure it’s not the best idea to go wandering off in the middle of a shoot!

Don’t worry about that. They’re portrait shots, but we’re getting them done individually first instead of all together.

Right now Naru-kun and Kasa-kun are getting theirs, so Kuma-kun and I can do whatever we want.

So can I hang out with you, Yuu-kun? I’ll sit riiiight here~ ♪

Hang on, I didn’t give you permission to sit next to me! Oh, whatever. It’s fine. It’s just a matter of me moving.

Wait, where are you going? The beach is dangerous, you know! Onii-chan’ll come with you ♪

Yeah, I’m pretty sure you’re more dangerous than the beach… You have a photoshoot, right? So you don’t wanna get burned. I’m giving you my seat, so you can sit there until it’s your turn.

Ufufu, are you worried about me? Onii-chan’s sooo happy he has such a kind little brother ♪

But I’m fine, okay? I’ve already taken precautions against the sun.

It’s so romantic to sit shoulder to shoulder under an umbrella and watch the ocean, but running along the shore together also feels so much like a date!

Let’s chase after each other, Yuu-kun… ♪

I already told you not to say creepy things! Don’t chase me! Help, officer!!!

Ahaha, those guys look like they’re having fun. Actually, why is Knights here?

…Gwah?!

Maa~kun ♪

Don’t cling to me so suddenly! I’m all hot and sweaty.

Are you gonna be okay out here in the middle of the day like this? The sun has to be getting to you, so maybe you should sit under the umbrella for a bit.

Yeah, the sun is wayyy too strong. I seriously regret coming here… Maa~kun, gimme a piggyback ride into the shade.

Seriously, you’re so… But I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I left you here and you got sick. Sure, fine, I’ll carry you.

Yeah, I knew you would, even if you complained about it. You’re Maa~kun, so you always spoil me in the end.

Ahh~ It’s so easy. Oh, and I’m really thirsty, so go get me a drink from the vending machine too. Y’know, something fizzy.

I’m not your handmaid, you know… Ugh, fine, but just for today. I’m not gonna keep this up tomorrow, got it?

You say that, but you always come around eventually~ You don’t have any backbone at all, really. But that’s what I looove about you, Maa~kun ♪

Yeah, yeah. Well, I’m getting thirsty too, so I’ll go run and get us some drinks.

I’ll get some for Subaru and the others, too. Sorry, but can I leave it up to you two to keep thinking of ideas for just a sec?

Yup, no problemo! Anzu, let’s race to see who can find the most sparkly things… ☆

Oh! You wanna go with Anzu, Daikichi? You did act the same way when she came over too… You must really have missed her, huh.

I’m a little sad since I’m your owner. But even if you don’t miss me that much, I’m still happy you care so much about Anzu.

All right, Daikichi enters the ring! There’s no way I’m gonna lose! Ahahahahaha… ☆