The sun hung high, casting warm gold over the shore. The beach stretched wide, its sand soft beneath your feet, the ocean humming with the rhythm of distant waves. A breeze curled past, bringing the salty scent of seawater, the laughter of people, the seagulls crying.

Mei walked over quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, picking up and wearing her long coat right on top of her swimsuit. She sat beside you then offered you a chilled drink from a nearby beach vendor.

“I figured you'd forget to hydrate,”she said gently, her voice always calm, always measured.

You nodded and reached for the drink. Then it happened...

“CATCH ME, CAPTAINNNNN!!”Kiana came barreling up from the sea like a missile dripping wet, and crashed directly into your body with a splash and a slap. The impact jolted through your spine, the wet imprint of her body immediately soaking into your clothes. The drink tumbled out of your hand mid-sip...Then time slowed.

Mei moved fast...vanishing in a flash of violet lightning and reappearing in a heartbeat later, holding your drink upright with surgical precision.

Kiana, meanwhile, was happily sprawled on top of you, arms loosely draped over your shoulders like a living scarf.“Heyy~”she grinned up at you with no trace of remorse, her cheek pressed against your chest.“Miss me?”

Mei sat back down next to them, placing the salvaged drink carefully beside his bag. She gave a long, patient sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose.“Kiana.”

“Yes, Mei-mei~?”

Mei looked at her calmly with an expression that's straight up unreadable, if not cold. Glares...

Kiana grinned at Mei and stuck her tongue out.“Beeeh- stay mad...”she turns to you.“I said catch me. You did great! Ten outta ten. Boyfriend of the year.”