[Chapter 25] A beach trip (part III)

The night sky was worth to behold. The immensity of the dark screen above her head made her feel so little, and the stars were so visible from there. Unlike the city, there was no artificial lights that interrupted the majesty of the natural scenery. The breeze of the ocean was chilly, but she was fully clothed now and the warm provided by the bonfire didn't let her get cold. This way she could stare at the sky completely comfortable.

Eri could stay there for hours absorbed on it. She just had dinner, so it sounded like a plan. Unfortunately, the gang had other ideas in mind.

A test of courage?

The words felt weird coming out of her mouth. Once again, she had no idea what to expect.

Yeah, don't tell me you never participate in one before. Totsuka wondered curiously.

Never. It's my first time.

The gang was expecting weirdness, since it was her, but they still couldn't grasp what kind of life she has been living. The noise of the fire in the center was the only thing preventing them for being quiet.

After explaining the purpose of the game, she still didn't look convinced about the idea. And we're doing this because…

I heard there was a ghost roaming around a cave not too far from here. Kamamoto answered.

From the corner of her eye, Eri caught Yata jolting in place. She rose a suggestive eyebrow and a peculiar feeling awoke in her.

So we're going to this cave you say, in the middle of the night with only flashlights and wait for this spectrum to appear? She tested the reactions of the guy who was so cocky until now.

He was quieter than usual, didn't make eye contact with anybody, and occupied his mind poking the fire with a stick.

'How about that.'

Suddenly Eric, who was sitting next to her, lightly bumped her with his elbow. *Are you seeing the same thing I'm seeing? He asked in English to have a private conversation.

*Oh, yeah. She whispered back. *Soo... does he fear scary stuff? She tried to confirm it with a gang member.

*Apparently.

*Wanna team up against him?

*Right on.

They shook hands in a manly manner and shared a mischievous smile.

And so, driven by this wicked idea, she started. I'm very interested in this game, in fact I'd love if ALL of us participate.

Well, count me out of it. Yata casually spoke as if he was in complete clam despite his quivering voice.

Why, are you a chicken? Eric provoked.

Huh? What did you say, golden retriever? Quickly, he fell on his incitation.

Is there any reason why you CAN'T participate?

Of course I CAN participate. Is just that I don't WANT to.

Why though? Eri faked ignorance.

I'm tired, that's all. Yata avoided her. Noticing the complicity those two showed, he realized they were working together. Now it made sense why she was so eager to play all of a sudden. And the blondie next to her will always be there to support her annoying ideas.

Well, I wasn't expecting that from you. Eri started. After all, is a courage test. I thought you will be the first one to join.

Her condescending tone sickened him. But he wasn't going to fall on her trap. It can't be helped, I'm tired.

Well, how disappointing. Not only a coward, but also a weakling. She crossed her arms dramatically.

And of course, her tone didn't go unnoticed, in fact a vein of rage exploded. S-So what if I join you? Will that make you eat your words? He inquired, trying his best to contain his wrath.

Maybe. She simply proclaimed.

Unable to escape the web these two spiders weaved, he didn't have any other. F-Fine. He decided to fight for his dignity.

For the time being, he planned to play along, but if the chance to escape this devilish game presented itself in front of him, he'll take it and leave.

And there it was. When the gang reached out to hand out the flashlights, Yata found his way out. L-Look at that. We don't have enough flashlights, so some of us will have to skip the game. It can't be helped. He faked the most unconvincing disappointment ever.

Are you forgetting the fact all of you can create fire and use it as a lantern?

After that cheating move from the crappy duo playing against him, Yata clenched his teeth drowned in frustration and anxiety as he walked with the rest of the gang to the cave in the middle of the night.

It was dark and there was no one else but them on the beach; of course there wouldn't, no one will be around the beach at this hour when they knew there was a damn ghost out there.

The only sound came from the waves and their footsteps on the cold sand. Every now and then, he could hear a sound coming from an unknown source and got his skin crawling in anticipation, thinking something was going to jump out of nowhere to scare the hell out of him. But doing a headcount quickly, he could tell they were all there and no one was missing, so there wouldn't be chances of a jumpscare played by the gang… if anything, it would come from the ghost on the cave. Just thinking about it tensed every muscle in his body. The closer they got, the paler he got.

When they finally arrived, they started getting in. The youngest members entered first, excited about the mysterious cave. Mikoto, fearless as he was, walked behind them, hands on his pockets. Kusanagi and Kamamoto followed behind. Lastly, the golden retriever and the frosty girl stared at him while they moved inside the cave. But the girl slowed down her pace.

You're coming or not? She formed a condescending smile.

Her fuel lit up his explosive anger, and just to prove he wasn't frightened, he reached out the frailest members and held their hands. You're the weakest members, so I'll protect you; just don't get separated from me! He desperately pleaded for their own good, of course. So now, Anna on his left and Totsuka on his right, they entered.

While they started walking inside, he realized something odd about their positions.

Shouldn't you be at the front of the group? I thought you were excited. Yata referred to the girl walking behind him.

I don't have any reason to do that. We're watching the rear. YOU are leading this group.

This group? He repeated confused.

Don't tell me you didn't notice, chihuahua. Eric calmly spoke from behind. We're already playing the game, and this is OUR group.

His eyes opened widely and his feet stopped on track. Slowly, his head turned around asking for an explanation with his unsettled gaze. W-What?

I asked the rest to let us make this group. The purpose of this game is to see which group gets to the ghost first. She explained.

He has never wished to slaughter someone so much before. This girl and that foreigner will have a slow death by his own hands once this "game" was over.

Unable to use the flashlight, Totsuka took that role and lightened the rode for them. Each step they took, the exit looked smaller and the cave darkened. Any noise besides their own was unconceived; it felt as if there was nothing inside the cave, but it had the opposite effect on him, who felt pressured by the lack of sound. It only made this place look like a supernatural scene.

The cave was huge, so much that they didn't bump into any other group. Maybe they took different ways. But his unsettled mind couldn't avoid thinking about an unnatural force taking them hostage.

His hazel eyes jumped from one side to another. Aware of every noise and movement if there was any. But in reality, he wanted to close his eyes tight to spare him some trauma.

Misaki, your hand is sweaty. The kid announced.

It's your imagination. He answered.

Suure. He heard from the back.

The eyes of those two demons behind him stopped making him feel nervous because right now he was solely concentrated on surviving this creepy atmosphere. He was so tense that if he hears any sound, he'll have a heart attack.

What's that? Eric casually asked.

AHHHHH! He threw every bit of sanity left and welcomed the fear wholeheartedly.

Careful, Yata! Totsuka yelped when the boy threw his arms around him in fear. And this abrupt impulse made him lost his balance and he dropped the flashlight he was holding.

Hey! Don't drop the flashlight! The teenage girl ran after it.

But unfortunately, she couldn't see where she was heading to.

But the guys from the clan, quickly lit up a flame in order to see. And the road ended right where she was going. When they tried to warn her, it was too late.

ERI!

The sound of a body hitting the cold, hard ground echoed in the cave. When her feet stop touching the rocky surface, she knew it was going to be a painful fall. Fortunately, it didn't last too long. In the pitch black scenery, anything could have await her, however it wasn't so bad. And the main reason that was the case was because of the guy who landed next to her.

The beam of light from the flashlight aimed the opposite way from them, but it was enough for her to see the short vanguard of the clan and their surroundings.

Thankfully, they landed on flat stones. If they have been pointy, they wouldn't have survive to tell the story.

Misaki. Can you hear me? Are you okay? Hey, Misaki. She softly shook him.

Then, small movements showed he was conscious, relieving her. And when he rose up his face from the ground, he confirmed it. Don't call me by my name.

Yes, you're fine. She abruptly switched back to her careless self, making the previous worry seems like a waste of energy.

Yata! Eri! Are you alright?! The voices of his clanmates shouted from above.

The victims could see the fire from their clan's power illuminating their way and their heads peeked from above the cliff.

Yes, we are. She answered loud and clear.

The guys felt relieved to hear that. For once her stoic voice was very much welcomed.

Looks like you can't climb back. Eric concluded by observing the height.

Don't worry, guys. We'll come back for you with some ropes. Totsuka assured them confidently.

They had no time to loose. And so, they prepared themselves to call the others, leave Anna in a safe place and go back to rescue their friends. But first, Totsuka turned around to give a massage to the vanguard.

Listen up, Yata.

When the young one recognized that serious tone from the bubbly man, he knew it was important.

Make sure to protect her.

And without anything more to add, they leaved.

The duo felt odd from the rare sight of a serious Totsuka, and were left in silence. Although, Eri felt particularly guilty since she was probably the most prepared for this situation of the two, Yata, on the other hand, awkwardly avoided her look after that speech. It's not like he wasn't planning on do it, so there was no need to say it out loud.

The flashlight landed next to her, so she grabbed it to search around. Mmm, the walls around us look too smooth to climb. She lamented.

Afterwards, she pointed it at him. He found the bright light, abruptly aimed at him, like another one of her annoying jokes. Hey! Are you trying to blind me?! He covered his face from the burning flash.

But she remained silent, slowing the light to the rest of his body, until she found something. Oh, there.

Her sudden cry caught his attention and he looked down at where she was pointing. There, on his left elbow, he had a prominent wound. It was visibly swollen and bleeding. The funny part was that he didn't notice it until now. It didn't even hurt. Maybe he was too concentrated on the fall to pay attention.

Here, let me.

Next thing he knew, she put down the lantern and reach to his elbow with her hands. He completely forgot she had healing abilities, so he was a bit startled when she touched him. And loosing no time, she started doing her thing.

Hearing concern coming from her felt strange, so he showed his suspicions in no time. Why are you acting so attentive all of a sudden? You were pocking fun of me until now.

Without taking her eyes of his wound, she calmly replied. Well, it's obvious the situation is different now. So, annoying you is not fun anymore.

Hey! Her boldness never failed to piss him off.

Also, you didn't hesitate to save me, even when you were afraid and we were bothering you. She rose her eyes from the wound she was healing to look at his. Thank you.

Her red eyes seemed warm for once, despite her tone being serious. He couldn't think of anything to answer back and shook his eyes away from hers nervously. For this reason, they remained silent until she finished.

Yata held his elbow with his other hand, inspecting his arm. It was impressive there was no sign of his injury anymore. Her power was really sick. But then, when his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he could caught something on her body.

Hey, your leg. He worried. He thought he held her carefully when they landed, so finding that felt like he failed.

Eri lowered her glance to see what he meant. Indeed, she was also injured. She wasted no time in healing herself. And it gave her time to think about their whole landing. When she was about to fall from the cliff, he swiftly ran after her and held her to pull her back, but just like her, they couldn't stop the momentum and they both fell. Thankfully the unknown height of the abysm was relatively short. That was scary. But the impact didn't feel painful. And she knew why; when they were falling, he shielded her and got the worst part of the landing. Now that she thought about it, it was impressive how quickly he could get up.

By the way, we landed on Your body. She shyly said. How is your head? I mean, besides the other issues. She deadpanned.

Hey! He shouted at her poker face. Even in this situations she showed her sharp tongue.

Seriously. Does it hurt somewhere? She demanded him to be serious, as if she had.

He noticed she showed real concern, so he wiped off the frown of his face. No, I'm fine. I'm a tough guy.

A hardheaded. She concluded.

OI!

It really crossed him how she never missed the chance. He was about to put the bold girl on her place, if it wasn't for a creepy sound that came out of nowhere.

*Soooouffff*

Heeehhhh! And inaudible noise came from the terrified boy.

Eri was going to shut him up for the unnecessary scream, but her cold demeanor was interrupted by a warm feeling. Her face, for once, showed her pure stupefaction.

The flashlight on the ground was blinking from the damaged of the fall, so it made difficult to see in the pitch dark place. But she didn't need to do that to get what was this new intruding sensation. Her hand on the ground was tightly held by his.

When she recovered from the scare, she observed how unquiet he was, looking everywhere nervously.

She tried to bring him back to reality. You know ghosts aren't real, right? She rose an eyebrow.

Course I know! He shouted at her. But, what if the sleepless soul of someone is roaming around?

He wasn't convinced at all, that was for sure. 'Well, at least I tried'. She rolled her eyes. But just when she was about to gave up on him. She felt the grip on her hand tighten.

When she stared at him to study his expression, she found him reddish. But she didn't think it was from the sun. His frowned brow and avoidant look were enough to understand he didn't want to do this under any circumstance, but he didn't know better.

Maybe bringing this reaction to the table wasn't a good idea right now, and since he tried to save her, she decided to cut him some slack and paid no mind to this.

Anyway, our flashlight is going to die any second now. Can you lit up a fire?

Thanking internally her lack of teasing, he did as she asked. Just before her eyes, he lit up his left hand on fire and illuminated their surroundings.

With this better illumination, Eri could have a nicer view of the thing going on with their hands. When Yata realized this as she bluntly lowered her gaze, he inevitably got self-conscious and his temperature rose.

H-Hey! Just so we're clear. I wouldn't do this under normal circumstances! He bashfully defended his honor.

Eri rose her gaze to look at him incredulously. I wasn't thinking of anything else. Besides, I already know you are scared of ghost and supernatural things. A cynical grin formed on her face. Which is dumb, if you have in mind we all have supernatural abilities.

Well, you looked very scared when you were attempting to swim, Miss confidence. He copied one of her unfriendly glares.

Then, all sanity left her body. WHO TOLD YOU? She demanded to know on demon mode.

No one. I just saw you guys in the water when I was surfing. He calmly replied.

His answer depressed her a bit. After all the measures she took to go unnoticed, HE had to be the one watching.

All her natural confidence deserted her, fearing for the worst. Are you going to make fun of me now? She lowered her head.

But his answer couldn't be furthest from her fears. No. Why would I? You really tried out there, even when you looked so uneasy. He confidently said as if it was the obvious.

She couldn't believe those words were coming from him, and for a second, her face showed bafflement. Damn. Now I feel like the immature one. She shook her head slightly ashamed.

That was the easiest, effortless victory he got on her, and he wasn't going to let it pass. Does it bother you? He showed a cheeky smile.

It stinks. She pouted.

Then I won't mock you. He proudly proclaimed, knowing how much it bothered her. But, looking at you throwing your arms in the air while drowning was hilarious, though. He threw salt on the wound.

The teenage girl was uncomfortably humiliated, as it could be seen by her bitten lip and frown. And her own silence made her feel worse. 'So this is what it feels to be on his shoes.' She bitterly watched him from the corner of her eye.

Ok, enough. She scolded, attempting to change the subject. Let's find out a way to get out of here. She stood up.

Shouldn't we wait the gang to bring us a rope? He opposed.

No. We're two, we're more than enough to get away from this. She confidently stated. But first I'll need you to get in shape, scarily cat.

Didn't I win a bet with you already?! Stop calling me names!

Misaki.

Don't use my first name, either! He exploded on rage, standing up.

But, at least he looked back in shape. An angry Misaki was better than a scared Misaki.

'Kay then, how are you planning to jump back up from here? He challenged her, under complete disbelief.

The wall of rocks was too smooth to climb it and the walls on each side were too far to use them as well.

Easy. One of us will climb on the other's shoulder and get to the top.

But what about the other? He asked incredulously.

I'll take care of that later. She waved carelessly her hand. So, in order to do that, I'll have to be the one who stays.

That plan sucked terribly and was full of holes. As if I'll let you stay here while I'm up there. He reneged.

Well, given my… height. She stared at him from slightly above. I have to be the base.

Don't talk as if you were THAT taller. He spited from bellow.

Either way, it's the only shot we have. She tried to convince him.

He still looked unconvinced. What will we do about you once I'm up there?

You will help me get up. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. Her voice came surprisingly soft from her.

It was rare to hear her so well spoken; she must be serious about this plan. He couldn't picture how they could possibly end up right up there. He knew they were both athletic, but the height of that wall was exaggerated.

Yata watched her one more time to take a decision. The flames casted shadows on her face, but managed to lit up her soft features, nonetheless. Her eyes were really warmer than ever before, opposite from her narrow ones when they arrived here. For once, he thought he could trust her.

Ok, let's do it. He gave up.

They didn't have many options, so it was worthy. And if her plan failed, he will jumped back down where she was to not leave her alone. It wouldn't be fair.

He used the broken flashlight as a torch to get his hands free as he climbed up to her shoulders. At first he felt uneasy for her small frame, but when she easily stood up, he forgot about it. Helping each other, they managed to achieve their goal.

Ok, now what? Yata wondered up there.

Next, Eri threw the torch up there where he was. But she did it so harshly that it landed far from his location.

Hey! Not so high! She heard him complain as his footsteps grew further.

Once he was out of sight, it was time to start her own escape.

Fortunately, she was wearing her hoodie, where she had some knifes. This had to be done in one go, otherwise she'll lose her chance.

Grabbing one, she threw it at one of the side walls, and once it got stuck, she run towards that wall. When she jumped, her foot touched the surface of the wall allowing her to jump to the front wall and do the same impulse, and when she faced the previous wall, her foot landed on the side of the knife stuck there, giving her the last step to jump and land on top of the cliff.

Once up, she dusted off her clothes and caught a breath. And finally, she met eyes with her partner.

When he found her standing there on the same surface as he, he looked as if he saw a ghost. B-But! W-Wh!? HOW!?

I told you I'll take care of the rest. She plainly answered, walking past him. Now, let's get out of here before the rest get inside this cursed cave.

Yata was left baffled.

Not too long after they left the cave, the clan found them already outside and waiting for them. Their natural reaction was to ask how, but the boy didn't look very fond of the interview and the girl vaguely responded.

The reunited crew walked towards their camp, ready to leave the beach, something the two youngest were blessed to hear. They even walked far behind from the rest since they were physically and mentally tired. But as she was steadily moving, he looked down as if something was troubling him.

One glance at the back of the girl in front him, he got the feeling it was big and higher than him. Or maybe it was because she wears big-sized clothes and she is taller than him. But the reason of his depression was her performance back in the cave.

It killed him to admit it, but this girl was simply cool. She kept a clear mind during adversity and she rescued themselves without any help. And what's most, she somehow managed to climb that high wall in the blink of an eye by herself.

Compared to that, he felt pathetic for being scared of the supernatural stories and superstitions and he did nothing. And what he hated the most was the task Totsuka handed him. He was supposed to protect her, but he ended up being protected and saved by her. His confidence was on the floor.

This regular high schooler was… cooler than him.

It was frustrating, and it awaked his competitive side like a flame in his chest. He didn't want to lose to her. It was weird, he was disappointed, but at the same time, interested in this challenge right in front of him. There was a longing to earn her recognition sprouting deep inside him.

He didn't want to leave things like this, an uneven score table in favor of her. He didn't want that. He wanted to be on the same level as she was. To close the gap between their abilities. To-

By the way, I couldn't help but noticed you called me by my name. She interrupted.

His body jumped in terror and his heart leap in frustration.

Did I? I don't recall. He tried to fake ignorance as his last resource. But considering his luck, failure awaited him.

Yes, just right before you jumped to rescue me. She deadpanned.

He thought the darkness helped him to hide his identity back then. To be frank, he didn't care what he called her; he was too concentrate in not letting her die to pay attention to that detail. Why bringing that NOW? Did she enjoyed his torment even when she couldn't see him? Could she just cut him some slack? He wasn't in the mood to do this.

I gave you permission to use my first name and you waste it. She said, disappointed. That's something the others had to earn by themselves and here I am giving you that privilege for free. I can't believe you.

But as she walked out ahead of him, he started thinking about it. She had a point. Why giving him permission to do something she dislikes so much? Did she think of them as equals? Was he different than the rest since he earn her respect? Was it because he won the bet that day?

It was funny how just a name could have so many meanings, but at the same time it could be simpler than that. If she really gave him the trust to call her that, then the least he could do was accept it.

And maybe this is what he needed. At last, he gathered up the courage to call her.

Eri!

The teenage girl turned around and stopped to the see the short guy looking straight at her.

I've decided to call you as you wish, since you let me and all. He awkwardly scratched his nape, breaking eye contact when he knew he couldn't keep it up any longer. But listen, I don't want you calling me by my name so freely. We both know we'll never be friends. So, just call me "Yata" like the rest and let's leave it like that. He finally conveyed all his thoughts, surprised of himself for doing it rather calmly.

A-And if you ever consider us to be on the same level, just then call me by my name. He determined.

The girl in question stared at him, never breaking eye contact and with her full attention on him. Despite his ineloquent discourse, she couldn't find a reason to deny him his request. And a part of her felt slightly different about the guy a couple meters away from her; for some reason he looked a little taller than before. All right.

He rose his view after her positive answer; short as expected from her, but surprisingly honest and no trail of malice. It almost felt out of place to have a civilized conversation with her. The last time they did it they were trapped and couldn't see each other in the eye, but now confronting her face to face felt incredibly easy. Despite her harsh personality, she wasn't so unreasonable as he thought.

It was… pleasant to know this.

There was something encouraging about the distant girl letting him call her that, as if it was a show of her respect since he won against her and he was a little bit closer to be on the same level.

Eri! Yata! Let's go! Shohei yelled.

Eri-chan, say goodbye to the beach! Chitose called.

Eri-san, come on! I´ve saved a spot to you! Totsuka shouted.

The teenage girl locked eyes with him again. By the way, everyone will call me "Eri" from now on as well.

He felt extremely crossed at her all of a sudden.

Inside the car, the thing she longed the most at last presented itself: silence. Everyone was fast asleep, making the view from the window seat enjoyable.

So, how was your first experience at the beach? Tatara, seated next to her, and awake, inquired.

Exhausting. She rested her body on the seat.

I take that means you played so much that now you're tired. He skillfully changed her answer to his convenience.

She didn´t complain about this, so that brought him joy. And how come you´ve never seen the sea before, Eri-san?

This question did trouble her. The real answer could bring her many consequences she wanted to avoid. I just never had the chance to. That´s all. She turned her face towards the window.

As usual, her reply was vague and avoidant. It wasn´t new to them the fact that she doesn´t like to share her life with others. But at least he expected she could share about this unimportant question. Anyway, a dodge was better than an insult like she did until not too long ago, so this was a develop. Well, I´m glad your first time was with us. I hope we can keep making more memories together, Eri-san.

His mellow statement was too much for her. Well, it´s not like I wanted to come here. She expressed with her semi close eyes and an annoyed look, extremely far away from the image a usual tsundere will make after saying those words.

She wanted to leave it like that, but she wasn´t settled to do it. something pushed her to say more. But I'll be honest and admit I had a good time. She surprisingly expressed very quietly. And almost looking a bit bashful and shy, she placed a string of hair behind her ear. Thank you...

Aww, that´s so cute, Eri-san. I even caught you on camera. He shamelessly pointed the lens to her face.

Her eyes opened widely before changing her mild expression to a lightly threatening one. Totsuka knew what was coming.

I can't believe this took me 3 parts, goddammit. The next chapter will be on the blue side, also involving summer vacation. See you soon... or not.