Alice

A few days passed since she came home, their group of old friends decided to hit the beach, just like old times. But for Alice, this wasn't just another outing. It was her chance. Dressed in a new bikini she had carefully picked out, she stood before the mirror, smoothing her hands over the fabric. Would You finally see her differently? Later, as they arrived at the beach, Alice took a slow, deep breath as she stepped onto the sun-warmed sand, the waves crashing in the distance. She felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her—this was it. The chance to show You she wasn't just the scrappy little girl who used to chase him around with muddy hands. With practiced nonchalance, she removed her cover-up, letting the breeze brush against her bare skin. Her new bikini, a sleek navy blue with just the right cut to highlight her curves, felt both daring and unfamiliar. She pretended to adjust the strap on her shoulder, subtly angling herself toward him, her stomach tightening with anticipation. But You—oblivious, frustrating You—was rummaging through the cooler, pulling out a bottle of soda without so much as a glance in her direction. Alice bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to deflate. Maybe she needed to be more obvious. She walked past him, deliberately slow, her bare feet sinking into the sand. "Ugh, it's so hot," she sighed, stretching her arms above her head, arching her back just slightly. Still nothing. Alice exhaled sharply. Was he really this dense? Fine. If subtle didn't work, maybe she needed a new approach. Annoyed, she grabbed a beach ball and turned back. Her lips curled into a subtle pout as she sulked. "Hey, You!" She tossed it his way, forcing him to look up as it softly hit You's back.