(Morning August 29th)
*Your POV*
Waking to the sound of an alarm set so early. The day of the beach with friends has finally arrived. After spending the last few days hanging with Makoto and others, you were looking forward to this event. Getting a small backpack with your swimwear, you exit your house and proceed to the station. Your phone rings, and you pick it up.
Makoto: Hey! I am going to be late by a small amount, but I don't mind letting everyone know.
You: Sure, I can do that, but you could have said it in the group chat?
Makoto: About that, I thought it would be better if you explained it to them.
You: No problem. Is something the matter?
Makoto: Just some last-minute things I need to take care of, anyways I got to rush this so talk to you later, bye love you!
You: Love you too.
The phone hangs up, and you put it away. Wondering what the issue behind her delay could be. With a heavy sigh, you take a moment to let the train sway you back and forth. Until you feel a gentle tap on your shoulder. Turning around to face them, you spot the vibrant red hair of Kasumi.
Kasumi: Hello Senpai!
You: Kasumi? What are you doing here?
Kasumi: I am heading to the beach, I figured today was a nice day to relax while enjoying the sea breeze.
You: How funny, I am just on my way there to meet with my friends.
Kasumi: Oh, that is wonderful; I got a couple of friends too I will be meeting. Mind if I tag along with you until we get there?
You: Don't see why not, I could use the company.
Kasumi: Perfect!
You: How's your break been?
Kasumi: Busy. I've been really doing a lot of my gymnastics and studying.
You: Yeah, I wondered how you were doing. I'm sorry I haven't been around to join you, as I said. I got a new job, and that has been a priority in my life.
Kasumi: What do you do?
You: You might have heard me in the news?
Kasumi: Huh?
You: I've helped arrest a couple criminals with the Detective Prince Akechi?
Kasumi: OH! You mean?! You're the Junior Detective, the "Ace" Detective!? That's you?!
You: That's right! However, I've been thinking too much attention is getting a little worrying.
Kasumi: Don't be like that! I heard you stopped a political assassination!
You: I mean, I had help, but I guess I did.
Kasumi: Everyone at school is going to be all over you.
You: I hope not. I can only stand so much attention before I have to be rude.
Kasumi: I wonder how Akechi deals with his fame.
You: I think he is better at embracing it than I am. He does a lot of talk shows and interviews; he's a natural being on TV. I wish I had that confidence.
Kasumi: Don't be like that, Senpai. I know if you really don't mind it, you could match him in popularity! I know a lot of girls in my class have a massive crush on him.
You: I don't think I want to know if I have any... Haha....
Kasumi: I mean, knowing you as my friend and now the "Ace," I feel a little embarrassed talking to you. It's not like I wasn't before, however...
You: Huh? What was that last bit?
Kasumi: N-Nothing! Don't mind me! Just talking stupid!
You: Okay? Regardless, please keep it between us?
Kasumi: I can do that! Besides, I think it's cool that I am the only one who knows you, "Ace."
You: Ughh... Please don't call me that. Senpai was great as it was.
Kasumi: Hehe, you are a fun one to be around, Senpai.
You: I'll take that compliment.
Kasumi: Oh, it looks like our stop is here.
You: Stick close; it looks like it's going to be rush hour.
Kasumi: But how do I-Ah!
Kasumi accidentally trips over someone's leg. You instantly turn and catch her in your arms. Her slender figure barely weighs a thing. You easily set her on her feet. A soft blush rushes across her cheeks.
You: Are you alright? You need to be more careful, alright?
Kasumi: R-Right, thanks.
You: Here, hold onto my hand; the doors are about to open.
Kasumi: Y-Your hand?
You feel her fingers softly wrap around yours and you jerk her forward a bit, so she didn't get easily dragged off. Kasumi gasps, but you reassure her with her presence. She calms down as you guide her through the crowd. After a couple of minutes, you take a deep breath and are in the clear from the mass of people.
You: We should be clear here. Are you alright.
Kasumi: Oh, uh, yeah! Doing just fine, thank you Senpai!
You: It isn't much further to the beach, shall we go?
Kasumi: Y-yes but...
You: But?
Kasumi: You are still holding my hand...
Looking down, you realize your grip on hers was tight, and you instantly let go.
You: S-Sorry!
Kasumi: No need to apologize, Senpai. I am just happy you looked after me.
You: R-Right. Well, we should get going.
Kasumi: Yep!
Walking beside Kasumi the entire walk there, you chat with her about various other stuff until you start feeling the sand under your feet. Kasumi bursts forward and stands right at the edge of the waves to gaze at the open sea.
Kasumi: It's beautiful!
You: Indeed. Never gets old watching the ocean.
Kasumi: Have you been to the beach in America before? How was it there?
You: Barely different other than some cultural differences. It feels the very same from my memory.
Kasumi: Well, then let's get going and get changed!
You: Right after you!
Heading into changing booths, you swap out your clothes and, place them in the bag and put on the swimwear you bought with Makoto. Exiting, you barely spot Kasumi in the corner of your eye as she slips behind to hide.
You: Kasumi?
Kasumi: Umm... Yeah?
You: Why are you hiding?
Kasumi: Oh, umm... I think I should have brought a different swimsuit...
You: Don't be silly; I promise I won't judge.
Kasumi: It's not just that I don't mind...just...
You: What? It can't be bad-
She steps around shyly but unveils her sharp, slender figure that is wearing a two-piece that highlights a lot of her curves. She wasn't overreacting about seeing herself in such attire. You catch yourself staring and slap yourself hard.
You: Ahem! You look great, don't be ashamed.
Kasumi: Y-You mean it.
You: Of course. I think you look great.
Kasumi: Thank you, Senpai.
You: No worries.
Kasumi: Umm... You look good...too...
You: O-oh, haha, thanks! My girlfriend helped picked this out for me.
Kasumi: Your...girlfriend?
You: Yeah, we went on a date, and I said I didn't have a swimsuit because of my entire condition. I didn't really plan on swimming.
Kasumi: I-I see. Well... She has good tastes.
You: I think so, too.
Kasumi: I think I see my friends so; I'll catch you later.. Bye, Senpai.
You: Bye Kasumi-
You notice her smile fades as she turns away and walks in the other direction away from you. You ponder upon it until you feel a hand grasp your shoulder.
Ryuji: What's up!?
You: Ryuji! You made it.
Ryuji: Not just me!
Turning around you see the entire gang had showed up, each with their respective swimwear. Futaba hides behind Ren as she is wearing a one-piece suit that accommodates her small frame.
Ann: Where's Makoto? I thought she would be here with you?
You: She called me to tell you guys she will be running a little late. I guess something came up but she should be here any minute it seems like.
Ren: I guess we should start to enjoy the day, ain't that right?
Akechi: Well, I didn't think I would see you guys here.
Everyone:...!?
Turning around, you spot Akechi standing behind you. Everyone looks at him a little dazed as to why he is here.
You: Akechi? What are you doing here?
Akechi: I had the day off. Thought I would visit the beach for a change.
You: You don't seem like you are going to the beach?
Akechi: I don't plan on swimming, but I have some time. I might as well hang around.
Ryuji: Do we really need him hovering around us?
You: It's okay, guys. Akechi should be fine.
Akechi: Don't mind me; I don't plan on stealing any of your precious time together.
You: You sure?
Akechi: Quite sure. Besides, enjoy the time with your friends. You never know when you won't see them again.
You: R-Right.
Akechi: Now, if you excuse me, see you later.
You: See ya.
Akechi walks around the booth and seemingly disappears. Morgana jumps onto your shoulder and pats your cheek.
Morgana: You feeling alright? You seem a little lost.
You: Y-Yeah, it has been quite the morning so far. But enough about me, we have a long day at the beach ahead of us.
Yusuke: I am glad I brought my brushes; I can create some beautiful pieces with so much material!
Futaba: I wanna build a castle!!
Ren: I'll help you with that.
You: Alright! Let's get this started!
Half an hour passes as you explore the beach with everyone as you proceed to enjoy their company. That is, until you spot someone approaching. Turning your head, you are caught gazing at the perfect figure of Makoto, who is wearing a very questionable swimsuit that clearly shows off her "assets." It for sure awoken something inside you. Trying to battle back the thoughts, you wave at her.
Makoto: S-Sorry it took me so long! I didn't know which suit I should wear so I thought maybe... This was going to be good...
You: I-It indeed is something!
Ren: Futaba, close your eyes.
Futaba: H-Hey!
Makoto: It isn't that bad, is it?
You: No, it's just fine!
Makoto: Y-Yeah?
You: Yes!
Makoto: Oh you!
Laughing, Makoto approaches.
Makoto: I swear! But I guess if it's for you, I wouldn't mind being a little risky.
You: H-Hey! We are in the public!
Makoto: R-Right, what was I thinking? Well, do you want to walk around, or do you want to-
You: Hmm? Makoto?
Makoto:....
You: Hey? What's wrong?
Makoto:....
You: Makoto!?
Makoto:....
You: Guys! Something is wrong! I don't know what happened, but Makoto is-...!
Turning around to spot your friends, you notice something isn't right. Everyone is frozen in place. Like time had stopped, even the waves have frozen still mid-wave. The color of the sky shifts to an orangish purple, and a chill runs down your spine. Sounds of chains and distant whispers speak from random.
You: T-This place! It's just like using the app... But why is it like this?!
From the ground, sprouts shadowy hands that climb out of dark spots. Shadows begin to pour from the rifts, and you find yourself alone with your friends frozen in place as you are surrounded by the horde of Shadows that begin to approach...