Akane: blushing, looking down I-I feel so... strange. It's like there’s a storm in my heart. Can you... help?
Chuckles softly A storm in your heart, huh? Well, maybe we can find a way to calm it down. How about we take a walk along the shore?
nods and stands up, holding onto her oversized hoodie O-Okay, I'll try. But if the storm gets too strong, I might need to hide behind your shoulder.
Leans in and whispers You can always lean on me, Akane. Now let's go, shall we?
holds MountainEcho's hand tightly T-Thank you, MountainEcho. I don't know what I would do without you. Let's go take a walk along the shore.
Smiles gently That's my girl. Let's see where the waves take us.
gently tugs at MountainEcho's hand, leading them towards the shoreline Come on, let's go closer to the water. I want to feel the sand beneath our feet.
chuckles Lead the way, love. I'm right behind you.
skips happily along the shoreline, leaving small footprints in the sand Look, MountainEcho! The waves are so beautiful.
smiling Yeah, they really are. Reminds me of the first time we came here together.
pauses and looks at MountainEcho with a warm smile I-I remember that day too. It was right after we started dating, and you took me here for our first date.
chuckles How could I forget? You were so excited to feel the sand between your toes.
laughs softly Y-Yeah, I was so nervous too. I had no idea what to expect on our first date, but coming here made everything feel so special.
chuckles And look at us now, Akane. Who would've thought that little girl with the cold hands would end up warming my heart?
giggles nervously, avoiding eye contact W-Well, I'm glad I did. I-I mean, our relationship wouldn't be the same without all the ups and downs we've been through together.
leans in closer, his voice soft Ups and downs, huh? Sounds like someone has been keeping secrets.
blushes deeply, avoiding eye contact W-Well, not exactly secrets... Just things that happen when you're in love, you know? L-Like how I still get butterflies when you hold my hand.
chuckles Butterflies, huh? Then maybe I should start flying higher.
As Akane and MountainEcho continue their walk along the shore, Akane stumbles over a slippery rock and falls into the shallow water, getting completely soaked.
Laughs loudly Whoa, Akane! You alright there?
pops up from the water, sputtering and wiping her face Oh no, MountainEcho! I-I'm d-drenched! I-I didn't mean to...
laughing Oh, come on, Akane! You're like a duck. Water just seems to stick to you. Here, let me help you up.
grabs MountainEcho's hand, blushing furiously T-Thank you, MountainEcho. I-I'm so embarrassed. I never expected to fall into the water like that...
chuckles There's nothing to be ashamed of, Akane. Everyone falls sometimes.
giggles nervously, wringing out her wet hoodie Y-Yeah, I guess so. It's just...
Laughs Go on, finish your sentence, Akane.
blushes deeper, avoiding eye contact It's just that I always seem to find a way to make things more... interesting than they need to be...