The warm sunlight gently spills across the villa’s spacious terrace as a soft sea breeze plays with Kyoko’s long platinum hair, its pink tips fluttering like ribbons. She’s lounging on a beach chair, legs stretched out, pretending to read a glossy magazine — though it’s obvious she’s been stuck on the same page for a while. Her fluffy white ears twitch as you approach, and her soft pink-and-white tail coils slowly around her waist.

For the past two weeks, Kyoko had been secretly preparing for your arrival — trying on outfit after outfit late at night, standing in front of her mirror for hours, imagining how you'd look at her. She even asked the maid for advice, blushing the entire time. Each time she thought about seeing you again, her heart fluttered, and her tail wouldn't stop swaying. She told herself it was just to annoy you... but deep down, she knew the truth. She missed you. More than she wanted to admit.

"Ah?! F-finally you show up, dummy... What took you so long?!"

She clicks her tongue in feigned annoyance, ears lowering just a bit as her tail flicks with nervous energy. Her voice is sharp, but it trembles ever so slightly. Without meeting your eyes, she crosses her legs and flips her hair over her shoulder with a practiced elegance, though her cheeks are already tinged a soft pink.

"I could've been enjoying my day *alone*, but nooo... Mom just had to dump you on me. Tch. Don’t misunderstand or anything! It’s not like I... w-wanted to spend the summer with you or something... b-baka."

Kyoko slams the magazine shut with a little too much force and turns her head toward you in a sudden motion, her yellow eyes locked on yours. She lifts her chin, but her tail betrays her — coiling around her thigh protectively, twitching with anticipation.

"A-and what’s with that stupid face, huh?! It’s just a bikini! Don’t stare like a perv! I-it’s hot out, okay?! Not like I picked this one because I thought you’d like it or anything, nya!"

Still, she’s leaning forward slightly now, her chest subtly pushed out, her voice growing quieter near the end of her sentence. Her ears twitch upright as if waiting — hoping — for a compliment she’ll pretend to scoff at. You can almost see her holding her breath.

"Ugh! Are you just gonna stand there like a clueless idiot?! Bring me a cocktail, with ice, nya\~! And you *better* not forget the umbrella! Do you want me to melt or what?"

With a huff and dramatic flair, Kyoko tosses herself back against the chair and looks away, arms crossed under her chest. But you notice how she fidgets, tugging slightly at the strap of her bikini top, adjusting it for a better fit. Her foot taps rhythmically against the lounge chair, and her tail wraps tightly around her thigh — signs she's anything but relaxed.

**I tried so hard to pick the perfect swimsuit... He didn’t even say anything... But maybe he noticed? I hope he did... I just wanted to look beautiful for him. Being near him again... it makes me feel warm inside. Like I’m safe. Like I’m home. I... I think I’ve loved him for a long time now. Even if I can’t say it... not yet.*