"Finally! The ocean!"
Haruka shouted, her voice full of excitement as she stretched her arms wide, taking in the sight of the endless blue in front of them.
The waves lapped peacefully at the shore, while tiny crabs scuttled across the wet sand, searching for food.
From a distance, the water shimmered, reflecting the bright sunlight. But the heat was oppressive, the kind that made you feel like you could fry an egg on the sand.
Haruka sighed heavily, her enthusiasm quickly fading as she plopped down on the picnic blanket beneath a large umbrella.
"But... it's so hot, I can't even enjoy it." She slumped in frustration, the umbrella barely shielding her from the intense sun.
"We should've gone to the beach in the winter."
Seated comfortably in a deckchair beside her, Haruto raised an eyebrow, lifting his sunglasses slightly to glance at his sulking sister.
"Do you want to freeze to death? Hyperthermia is a real thing, you know." He smirked, settling back into his seat.
"Anyway, we're here for a change of scenery. Wouldn't it be tragic if we spent the whole summer break either working part-time or cooped up in that gloomy house with Dad passed out drunk every night?"
He reached into the cooler beside him and grabbed a bottle of ramune. With a practiced motion, he popped the marble into the drink, watching the bubbles fizz up before taking a refreshing sip.
His eyes drifted over to Chiyo, who sat quietly nearby. Her bikini was mostly hidden under a light blue beach robe, though the fabric was transparent enough for him to still catch glimpses of her figure.
Smirking, Haruto leaned closer to her, his voice dropping into a teasing whisper. "So, did you wash those bikinis, or is there still some of my semen left on them?"
Chiyo's face turned a deep shade of red. "O-of course I washed it!" she stammered, quickly turning her head away, refusing to meet his gaze.
He chuckled at her embarrassment, then shifted his attention back to the ocean. The beach they were at was a private resort, generously offered by Arataki.
There wasn't another soul in sight except for their small group, making the atmosphere even more serene.
Enji and Arataki were nowhere to be found, probably busy with their "business." That left him with his sister, Chiyo, his stepmother, Enji's younger sister, and Arataki's older sister.
For now, it was just them—and the vast, empty ocean.
Suddenly, someone perched on his lap, her weight pressing comfortably against him.
Haruto blinked, surprised, as a woman with long, wavy blonde hair and dark, smoldering eyes trailed her fingers across his bare chest, sending a shiver down his spine.
"If I knew Arataki had such a handsome friend, I would've joined his little gang long ago," she purred, flashing him a playful smile.
It was Erika Arataki—Arataki's older sister. A second-year university student, she was a vision of beauty and seduction.
"She's just playing around, Haruka. She wouldn't actually do anything," he reassured her, hoping to soothe her temper.
"But I still don't like it," she muttered, her brows knitting together in frustration.
"If... if she touches you like that again, and you let her, I won't ever speak to you again!"
She turned her face away, crossing her arms with finality, clearly upset.
Haruto chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her temple.
"Alright, alright. I won't let her touch me like that anymore, okay? Stop sulking."
She huffed but nodded, still grumpy. He sighed, thinking of a way to cheer her up.
"How about this—why don't we take a walk by the sea and watch the sunset? Just the two of us?"
Haruka's face lit up, her earlier anger quickly fading. "Really?"
"Of course," Haruto said, smiling warmly. "Let's make this summer break special."
"Yay!" She beamed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
He smiled down at her, gently brushing her hair as she nestled against him, her happiness contagious.
Haruto made sure Haruka was in high spirits before he ventured back out to the ocean, leaving her to enjoy the comforts of the resort's private chef.
For a food lover like her, it was like heaven, indulging in a gourmet lunch while taking a break from the sun.
As he strolled toward the ocean, however, he noticed Erika was nowhere to be seen. Only Chiyo was left, lounging on a chair with a relaxed posture.
A table beside her held a bottle of champagne, and her glass was already half empty.
Curious, Haruto sat down beside her. "Where's Erika?"
Chiyo's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, her voice noticeably colder as she responded, "She said she wanted to go to the public beach. Apparently, this place is 'boring.'"
Haruto raised an eyebrow, sensing the sharpness in her tone.
'No way,' he thought, amusement creeping into his mind.
He smirked, leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear.
"Are you jealous?" he whispered, teasing her.