C8 The Beach

“Martin! Come here. The weather is great today!” Celine smiled and laughed cheerfully and quickly ran past the white sand, hoping to swim in the ocean as quickly as possible.

“Hey, be careful not to fall!” Shouted the man following behind him without haste.

Martin refused to go shopping for new swimming gear. He didn’t like to buy new things, so he just wore his black shorts and simple white shirt. He said, "Don't make it a big deal." He then went to get some towels and made sandwiches for lunch on the beach. He was still bossy, though, telling her to find sunscreen and scowling at her when she forbade him to take his work papers and a book. “Will you read in water?” She asked him, who hurriedly put the book down. But no matter how dissatisfied he seemed, Martin did as she asked. It was at this point that she thought Martin was trying to adapt himself to living with her. Although he was unlike other people who have pampered her in her entire life—he was too quiet and even reprimanded her at times—he still indulged her in his own way. Whatever she asks, if it makes sense, he does it, even if it's not what he himself wants. Martine still liked to indulge in what she wanted.

“Martin! You walk really slow, hurry up, put your things here and let's go swimming!” Even though she was in a somber mood before coming to the island, and although yesterday there was something that made her cry, today she was having fun.

It was funny. That stubborn, arrogant man agreed to swim with her. He even made lunch and was also willing to carry things without letting her hold anything

“Martin, come here. Please come here!” She ran back to hurry him by grabbing Martin's hand and pulling him to walk faster.

"You see, the water is so clear." Celine let go of his hand once they were knee-deep in water and pointed to the clear sea. She totally missed seeing Martin looking down at his own hands with contemplation.

“Martin, don’t be quiet. Say something!”

“Y-yes?”

“Why are you so quiet today? You have been like this since yesterday evening.” This was true. He did not really speak, just put on a stressful face. Well, if she didn't ask him to go out today, he would probably stay at home and work all day while on holiday despite the island being this beautiful.

“I have a lot on my mind.” And he simply looked down and seemed stressed about whatever was on his mind again. He was so worried; she felt the tense atmosphere. She sighed, wanting him to smile again. She wasn't so greedy that he had to smile at her. She only wanted to see Martin's happy smile...

“Then can I ask you for one day's break together? Let’s swim, walk around town, and have dinner at some place not fancy. Is that too much to ask?” That question was quite a gamble. She looked at him with hope and would understand if he rejected.

The tall man stared back at her. He was deciding, and she saw something in those eyes. What is it? Is he amused by this? And Martin surprised her.

“Fine.”

Huh?

But Celine didn't get a chance to be confused for long because Martin had done another unexpected act. He splashed water at her playfully.

“No!!” He continued to be mean and relentless. He kept splashing until she was wet all over.

“Hey! Martin, no! Stop! Here you go! Do you really think I’m a helpless victim?” While you were still closing her eyes to shield them from water, she responded by splashing some water at him.

“Stop! Celine, stop! Haha! Oh, No! You’ve got me!”

Hmm? Was that a laugh? Did he laugh? Martin?

Once she realized it, she ceased all movements and opened her eyes to see the man in front of her.

His sight took her breath away.

His wet white shirt clung to his muscular torso. His wet, dark blonde hair turned darker, almost brown. And as soon as she saw his face, she found out that she was no longer the stern person she once knew.

He laughed softly and gave her a gracious smile. His entire face radiated delight and charm that she fell under a spell.

It was not a grin she sometimes saw and not an emotionless smirk. This time, she truly felt that he was having fun. A plain simple child-like fun.

The clear water of the sea or the wide sky, whatever beauty of nature she saw now, was not as magnificent as his smile.

That short time made Celine forget everything...

The young girl disregarded all else.

Even her own beating heart was drumming in the tune of the turbulent sea.