"Remember to text me when you get to the beach, alright?"

"Father, you've told me like five times," I smile and give him a kiss on the cheek. "I promise I will. Can I go now?"

"Please just remember to be safe."

"I'm with Kyoya, who's more safe than that?" I wave goodbye as Kyoya's driver puts my suitcase in the trunk of the car. Father waves, and continues waving until I can't see him in the back window. I sigh in relief and lazily pull out my notebook. I haven't had much time to write and while there haven't been many interesting words, there is still a story to write. Since we were going to the beach and basking in sunshine all day, I can get a feel for what my character would feel when she first comes out of the water to meet with her friends once more, if her friends were there.

"Hi Mitsumi-Senpai," Haruhi clambers into the seat next to me, a duffle bag thrown into the back with mine and Kyoya's things. "I didn't know that I'd be picked up first."

"Considering that you don't wish for the Host Club to bombard you on your time off," Kyoya says, pushing up his glasses. "I have arranged for certain pick up and drop off times for the both of you. No one beside Mitsumi and I will know where you live."

"Not that I'll come by unless truly invited," I poke her teasingly, making her groan. She smiles and sits closer to me as we make the rounds to the other's houses. We talk about the upcoming trip. Haruhi hasn't been to Okinawa before and since Kyoya has a private beach, there's so much for us to do.

"What's the place like?" She asks. Tamaki and Kyoya were already talking with one another, discussing the plan for when the girls would come.

"I've only been there once," I think about that time; there's a hospital owned by the Ootoris where they were studying the effects of Cardiac Arrhythmias. My father and Kyoya wanted me to go so I can learn more about it myself. "I didn't have time to go to the beach."

"Hey Haruhi, Mitsumi-Senpai," Hikaru greets, sitting next to me. "I don't know why we have to be crammed into one car, it's not like we don't have enough."

"Damn rich people."

"Mitsumi-Senpai, here's the swimsuit," Kaoru passes me a boutique bag. I smile as I unwrap it; just as stunning as when I first saw it. "We got sizing information for Kyoya, so I hope it works out."

"Thanks Kaoru!" I hug the bag close to me. I slipped my notebook in there as well since I wanted to talk more than write at the moment. Kaoru settles himself next to Hikaru and they promptly pass out. I chuckle at their soft snoring, thank goodness I'm used to waking up early. Haruhi brought a book with her so she goes to read and the other two are quietly talking about who-knows-what. We make the last stop at Hani's house, Mori carrying both bags. The twins wake up just enough to shuffle seats so that Mori and Hani can still sit next to each other. I sat next to Haruhi and Mori, and I placed the bag by my feet.

"What is that?" Mori asks, the motion having caught his eyes.

"A new bathing suit that the twins gave me," I say, opening it enough for him to see the design. His eyes widen for a second and then go back to my face. I give him a smile.

"I'm excited for this trip, I want to branch out with my story," I motion to the notebook that he also takes a glimpse of. "Would you like to read the additions once they're ready?"

"Very much so." He gives me a small smile before Hani captures his attention with his bunny and kidlike conversations. I listen in as we make the long drive to Okinawa.

"So," Hikaru says through a yawn. "Why'd we come to Okinawa?"

We all stumble out of the car, our bags in our hands as we walk to the hotel entrance.

"Because Kyoya's family has a private beach here." Tamaki responds, brushing his hair out of his face, flaunting himself in the sunlight. I can't help but roll my eyes at his dramatics.

"It's beautiful here, isn't it Mitsu-Chan? Takashi?" Hani looks at us, him walking in the middle. I smile down at him and nod. Mori grunts in affirmation, adjusting the two bags he's carrying. Hikaru stretches as he whines about not going international and Kyoya gives them the excuse of Haruhi not having a passport quite yet. I want to see if I can help her get one so we can go on a fun girl's trip somewhere. I think she'd appreciate somewhere like Rome, where the history is rich and it's always warm.

"Alright, here are your room keys," Kyoya says, handing out little keys with a number on them. "The twins will be sharing a room, Mori and Hani will have rooms next to each other, mine and Tamaki's will be side by side and the girls will be the rooms opposite of us two."

"That's weird," The twins say in unison.

"Yeah, do you think Tamaki-Senpai is perverted enough to sneak into Haruhi's room?" Hikaru stage-whispers. Kaoru nods, giving a teasing smile at Tamaki, who is fuming.

"Yes yes, and what about how close Kyoya-Senpai and Mitsumi-Senpai are?" He asks. I go stone-faced but before I can do or say anything, I hear the tinkling of something breaking. I jump and turn to see Mori next to a broken vase. Already a hotel manager was cleaning it up and Mori apologizes. I go over to him.

"Are you alright, Mori-Senpai?" I ask, looking for any new cuts or marks. "What happened?"

"Stumbled." He murmurs, looking away with a bit of pink on his face. I want to ask him another question, but Haruhi pulls me away so that we can get changed and ready for the day; the guests are arriving in an hour. We take the elevator up to the third floor as the rest of the club take the stairs. Serves at least the twins right, that comment about Tamaki and Kyoya was too far. I walked into my room which had a view of Okinawa, unlike Kyoya and Tamaki's room which face the ocean. I place my clothes in the drawers and place my toiletries into the private bathroom we each have. After getting situated, I grab the bag with the new suit in it and go to get changed. Before doing so, someone knocks on my door.

"I'll be ready in a second," I call. I hurry to change, tying the suit top with a quick bow and sliding the comfortable bottoms on. It fit perfectly, I must commend the twins' mother on the making of the suit. I put on a white shirt to cover and slide on my sandals, grabbing sunscreen and a sun hat just in case. I open the door quickly to see Mori in boardshorts and tank top. I look up and smile at him.

"Ready."

He nods and we walk down the steps in silence. The rest of the group was waiting for us at the bottom, Hani jumping up and down excitedly, beach toys overflowing in his hands. Mori rushes over to help him out and I fall into step with Haruhi, who is once again wearing a shirt and boardshorts rather than a more feminine bathing suit. Then again, there will be customers. We walked out to the beach where the workers from the hotel set up a net for beach volleyball and lounge chairs for any sunbathers. Kyoya also got a couple umbrellas set up along the beach for resting in the shade, since there aren't many trees that can provide it. I grab a beach towel from the hotel's outdoor area before setting up underneath one of the umbrellas. Haruhi joins me with her book, getting her calm hours before the hectic energy of everyone coming to the beach. I take off my white cover up and start putting on sunscreen, otherwise I'll turn into a lobster. I hand it off to Haruhi, who absentmindedly starts applying to herself.

"Haruhi, you have a white streak across your face," I say, rubbing it in. "The book's going to be there, but unburnt skin won't."

"Ugh, fine mom." She jokes, pushing me away. I lay down on my towel, the sun still making it warm underneath the umbrella. I feel the sand between my fingers before letting it fall through, it's fine and silky. The sun climbs higher into the sky and my feet get warm from the rays. I could stay like this all day.

"Mitsu-Chan, want to go in the water with me?" Hani breaks me out of the sleepy warmth I had started. I jolt up, almost bonking heads with him. I breathe slowly to calm my heartbeat. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!"

"It's fine, don't worry," I assure him as tears form in his eyes. "Sure, let me get up."

He stands up and holds out his hand to help me up, which is ridiculously easy for him. I smile as we continue towards the water, the sun making the ocean have a beautiful sparkling effect.

"Takashi is already over there, see?" Hani points to where his cousin is and hurries me along, just enough to get me feeling a little breathless. "He's going to be watching us while we go in, since last time we kind of got lost."

"I'm not going to be going too deep in the water this time," I tell him. "It looks like some of your customers would like to swim farther out with you, though. Look, the water is just past their waist, I think Mori-Senpai can keep a steady eye on you there."

Some of the customers wave and call out to Hani, who looks back at me and Mori. I smile and Mori gives him a nod. He rushes off, squealing as the cold water hits his legs. I slow to a walk when I get closer to Mori, making sure to steady my breathing. He looks over at me and he must have gotten burnt because his face is a little more pink than normal. I smile at him and he smiles back.

"I'm glad you're staying with us," I say as we walk closer to the water, the cold enveloping my feet. "At one point, I didn't know what to say to make everything better."

"I won't leave you again," He says, placing a hand on my shoulder. It's warm from sunlight and exercise, and it's a comfort that I hope I can get used to. "I was very worried about you."

"Oh well, Hani is clearly capable of doing things, even after the water scare," I divert, pointing at the small boy having fun in the water. "It's good that he feels comfortable out there."

"And you?" I looked up at Mori who was blocking the sun, creating a shadow around me. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. after all," I look around the beach as my cheeks begin to heat up from the warmth. "I'm able to still go on adventures with you guys, right?"

"Good. I-we want you to stay with us."

"I want to stay with you guys too."

We stand in our own silence, the world still being noisy around us. The lapping of the ocean and the shrieks and giggles of the customers makes the whole beach feel lively but relaxed, high energy but no anxieties. Perfect.

"Mitsumi."

"Yes, Mori-Senpai?"

"How come your father let you join this time?"

"He knows Kyoya wouldn't let harm come to me," I reply, looking up at him, giving a smile. "And he heard about you being here too."

"Me?"

"Apparently he looked into everyone and their families," I stretch out my arms, bones cracking lightly. "He was taken by you."

He hums, looking out towards the ocean. Hani is still happy, the customers look like they're having the time of their lives. The wave continues to lap at my ankles, making prickling goosebumps appear on my shins. Hani starts shouting, waving at the two of us. I wave back and Mori just nods. Hani giggles and runs over to us, latching on to his taller cousin's leg.

"Takashi, can we look for shellfish?" He asks, dragging Mori to the beach. Mori looks over at me and I follow long, just enough to get back to my towel. "Mitsu-Chan, are you joining us?"

"Thanks Hani-Senpai, but I think I'm going to rest for a second." I say, clasping my arms around my knees once I've sat down. He goes off to look for creatures, Haruhi joining the two. She raves about the food possibilities, and I can't help but think she and Hani are an adorable duo. Mori keeps a close eye on the two, but he looks over occasionally. Every time he does, I wave and he waves back. It's sweet, but I don't know why he feels the need to check in when I'm doing nothing.

"Hey, Mitsumi-Chan," Hikaru sits to my left, Kaoru on my right. "What do you know about Haruhi's fears?"

"What?" I say, looking over at him, away from Mori. "Nothing, why?"

"Well, after Haruhi didn't react to a creepy bug," Kaoru starts. "We've been wanting to see what makes her scared. I mean, everyone has to be scared of something, right?"

"Speaking of," Hikaru says, giving a mischievous look to both me and his brother. "What's yours, Mitsumi-Senpai?"

I shake my head exasperatedly. They give puppy dog eyes, but I just laugh.

"What, so you can prank me or something?" I push the two of them, just enough to get them away from me. "No thank you. I don't need to go back to the hospital, thank you very much."

"Go back?" I freeze as they say those words in sync. I give them a smile before standing up.

"Besides, Kyoya could easily tell you," I say, heading over to the boy himself. "It's not like it's a big secret."

I sit by Kyoya, who has a clipboard and his beloved notebook out. He looks over at me, and then at the twins past me. They must have been planning something against Haruhi because Kyoya scoffs and goes back to his notebook. I look over and several things were on it; times for each Tamaki fan to be with him, scheduled activities, and a count of how many buckets of sea life his police force have been bringing to the beach for Hani, apparently. I scan more of the materials when I see photos underneath the papers. I lift it up only for Kyoya to slap my hand lightly.

"Not for you."

"Kyoya, what are they?" I ask, still intrigued. "C'mon, it's not like I'm going to take them or anything."

"Photos of Haruhi," Kyoya says, gesturing out around him. "Winning prize for the idiot's contest of the day."

"Well that's underwhelming," I remark. "If they just act normal around her, you can get to know her and then see photos of her."

"And do you think they have the capability to act normal?" He raises an eyebrow at me, clearly irritated by his friends. I chuckle and let him go back to his notebook. I know if I even tried to look in, it would get snapped closed in my face and I'd get a very stern glare.

"Are you wanting to head back to the hotel soon?" Kyoya asks. "The sun will be setting soon."

"I'd like to see it, if you don't mind." I replied. He shrugs, not really caring what I do.

"Well, then I will assign an officer to watch you here."

"Kyoya, I'll be fine."

"It was your father's expressed order to have someone at your side at all times."

I groan and flop into the sand, not caring about the sand that I will eventually find there. He rolls his eyes once more. He packs up his things and holds out his hand to help me up. I take it and he hoists me up easily. He walks with me to my towel and the umbrella. I place the white coverup on and unfurl the umbrella. Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Haruhi were still around, Hani over a rock still collecting creatures. Mori is still watching over him, still on the rock. He looks over and I catch his eyes. I wave again, and he looks back at Hani. He must have called out to him, because the smaller boy came bounding up, babbling about something. They start walking over to us as the twins whine about not being able to scare Haruhi with their tactics, like fake ghosts and scary stories. Hearing what they did throughout the day made me feel exhausted on Haruhi's behalf, but the antics were funny.

"Alright, I'll be heading into the hotel," Kyoya says, picking up my hat and notebook. "What are your plans?"

"We'll head in too," Hikaru says, getting up to go, his twin following suit. Tamaki gets up from the grassy part of the beach and rushes over to us with a faux evil grin and bucket. "What's up, Boss?"

Tamaki, with a flourish as always, shows us a bucket of color snakes, I step back, startled by the contents. I hit something and whirl around to see Mori behind me. I give him a smile and mouth the words 'sorry about that'. He nods in acknowledgement.

"I found some rat snakes!" Tamaki announces. "Surely Haruhi will freak when she sees these, look at Mitsumi's reaction!"

"Anyone would think those are creepy, doesn't mean it's a weakness," Hikaru says, yawning. Kaoru's eyes widen and he starts backing away from us.

"I thought there weren't any rat snakes in Okinawa?" He squeaks out. Tamaki and Hikaru freeze, staring at the snakes. I instinctively step back again, stumbling over Mori once more. He grabs me by the arms and places me behind him. I hold onto his arm. I'm not deathly afraid of snakes, but I'm certainly not fond of them, especially if we don't know what kind they are. The twins and Tamaki shriek and start running around with them, Tamaki frantically shouting about what he should do with them.

"This is giving me a headache," Kyoya grumbles. "Mori-Senpai, Hani-Senpai, will you be joining me in the hotel or watching these idiots?"

"I want to go to the hotel," Hani says, carrying a large tub of sea creatures. "Haru-Chan will be so happy with what we found, right, Takashi?"

Mori hums in agreement.

"Kyoya, please," I ask again. "Can I just stay out until the sun sets? I promise, I won't even be far from the hotel."

"Kyo-Chan, why can't she stay out?" Hani asks, looking between Kyoya and I.

"Her father wants her to have someone by her at all times and since she doesn't care for the police force and I'm tired, she has to stay in," He says, glaring at me. "She's very stubborn."

I glare back. It's not like I'm a little kid, I'm not going to wander around. I just want to see the sun set on the beach!

"I'll stay."

I look up at Mori, who's eyes won't meet mine.

"Hey, yeah!" Hani exclaims. "Takashi can watch over Mitsu-Chan! He knows her good enough that her dad won't get angry."

"And he did approve of him being here," Kyoya agrees begrudgingly. "Fine. But only until the sun goes down."

I give Mori a large smile, the happiness bubbling up quite a bit. I squeeze Mori's arm and he looks down at me, startled. Hani and Kyoya go off towards the hotel, the shadows becoming longer as the sun begins to leave.

"C'mon, we can walk for a little bit, right?" I ask. I look out towards the ocean and its reflection; a beautiful deep orange that fades lighter until the glowing yellow-white of the sun. The ocean reflects the warm tones, while still having its beautiful teal hue underneath. I didn't bring a camera or my phone with me so I try to analyze everything; the smell of the crisp ocean breeze, the sight of the vibrant colors, the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks nearby and it calmly dying along the sand. I close my eyes to keep it locked in my memory.

"Mitsumi."

"Yes?" I open my eyes to look up at Mori. He looks down at me, his face pink from a little bit of sun. "What is it, Mori-Senpai?"

He shifts on his feet and his hands fidget at his sides.

"What is your fear?"

"Did the twins set you up for that?" I scoff, rolling my eyes. "I told them they can go to Kyoya."

"No, I am asking for myself."

"Then why so interested?"

He shrugs and looks out at the ocean. The little sunlight that we have reflects in his eyes, the dark brown dancing with color. The light also shows off every angle on him, giving a sharp jawline and shadows that accentuate his arms and chest. I feel my face go hot as I continue looking at him so I turn my attention back towards the ocean. The sun is more than halfway gone, the orange is fading faster. I take a deep breath.

"I'm scared of being alone," I whisper out. "And I'm scared of dying."

He shifts closer to me, holding me by my shoulders.

"Dying shouldn't be a fear."

"I know, but it's worse when at any moment," I press into his side, the wind starting to become cold. "I'll be gone. One moment of over exertion, one moment where I get startled, I'm back in the hospital. Then, maybe, gone. It's scary."

"You're not leaving me anytime soon."

I look up at him and he locks eyes. It's a moment that I can't help but feel speechless in. I can't read him, either, and it almost scares me. There's an emotion behind his eyes, but it's not something I know.

"I mean, I'll try not to."

"I won't let anything harm you, ever, Mitsumi."

"Mori--"

A scream erupted from the beach.