Grains of sand mill aimlessly in the gentle current of the water as they're slowly pulled out to sea. They don't care where they land or even if they land at all. Much like my life, I suppose. Not that I like it. Snorting in disgust I stand up, pulling my eyes away from the sunset on the horizon and ignoring the ocean's siren call.

"Aya!" a voice calls, a lanky silhouette running throw the sand towards me. I shade my eyes with a hand, trying to see him better. His blonde hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail and his shorts are riding low on his hips. The shirt that he'd been wearing earlier in the day is nowhere in sight. "Aya!" he shouts again, a laugh hidden in his voice. He comes to a stop before me. His usual cocky grin is gone; in its place is a genuine smile. It's...nice. His hand rises to lightly graze my shoulder. "Where have you been?"

"Here," I answer and he rolls his eyes.

"I know that..." he says, mock-glaring before suddenly striking a heroic life-guard pose. Someone's been watching too much Baywatch. "You missed my face-off with Ken! I needed you there to cheer me on!"

I casually brush off his hand and turn around, still looking at him out of the corner of my eye. "What? I should have stayed and watched you get creamed again?"

"Awwww," he whines and I almost wince. Trust me, no one whines quite like Yohji. "It wasn't that bad..." I don't answer so he continues. "Well, I almost won. Doesn't that count for anything?" I shrug. "Well, I think it deserves a kiss," he firmly declares, spinning me around to face him as his arms wrap around my shoulders.

"Does it?" I ask, unable to hide my tentative smile.

"Sure does!" he tells me, his grin widening, knowing he's won this match. His mouth swoops down to claim mine and I eagerly meet him halfway.

But, then again, an almost win should deserve an almost kiss... I suddenly push him away, watching in amusement as he topples over, landing in the water with a splash. He stares up at me dumbfounded and I don't even bother to hide my smile. I like Yohji shocked. It's a good look for him and not something you see too often.

An evil grin takes over his face as he stands up, wiping water out of his hair and eyes. "Oh, you are soooo going to get it..."

I raise my eyebrows skeptically. As if. He advances a step and I dart to the right, stopping after a few steps to turn back to him. I raise my right hand, curling my fingers into a beckoning motion and giving a small grin before taking off again.

I hear him pounding the sand behind me, and I know he's gaining. Impossible not to with his long legs. But it doesn't matter, it's not like I hadn't planned to let him catch me...eventually. A year ago, I know I wouldn't be doing this--any of it. Doesn't matter, I suppose. People can change. I've changed, though I'm not quite sure if I like it or not. I'll run with it for a bit. It's not like I have a choice, really, just like the sand caught in the current. But, for the moment, it's...nice. A fantasy, a whimsy, a dream: take your pick.