Being loved is beautiful.

Let the past be the past!

I feel happy because it seems like I made the right decision. I will never be happy if I'm with someone who doesn't love me.

As I think about it, I slowly turn to Ray. I'm slightly surprised and embarrassed because it seems like Ray has been looking at me all this time.

Ha!

Our eyes meet and lock. In Ray's eyes, I see a gaze full of love, unlike when I look into Redrick's eyes.

I feel an irreplaceable closeness, as if time stands still just for the two of us.

Ray tightly holds my hand, and I can feel the warmth of his love flowing through every fiber of my being.

"My memories with you begin here, Naina," Ray says while gazing at the calm sea in front of him. His expression is filled with nostalgia. "Back then, you were crying and screaming here."

"Yeah! You also appeared here and scared me," I reply with a playful tone, remembering that funny moment.

Ray turns to me with tenderness, his gaze filled with warmth and love. "Naina, from now on, I won't let you cry again." His expression signifies determination and his desire to protect me.

I feel my heart filled with warmth and tenderness from Ray's words at that moment. I try to find the right words, but they seem stuck in my throat. "Ray... You..." I utter softly.

However, Ray suddenly smiles cheerfully, "So that the sea creatures here won't be disturbed by your cries and screams," he continues in a light-hearted tone.

"Ray, you!" I try to respond seriously, but my smile breaks through with laughter.

"Ray, actually, it wasn't just an ordinary cry and scream. I felt relieved after doing it, like a heavy burden in my heart was lifted," I say with a smile, trying to hold back tears of happiness that are about to overflow.

"Naina...." Ray looks touched by my sincere confession.

"Well, Ray, do you want to try it too? It feels so enjoyable!" I say teasingly, challenging him to indulge in the freedom of emotions.

Ray nods in agreement with a spirited smile. "Mhm! Of course!" he responds enthusiastically.

"Try it like this, 'aaaaa! Redrick! You're so mean to me! You deceitful Frog! I'm the Queen of the Beach! I'll throw you into the depths of the ocean! Hahh.. hah...'" I give an example, shouting out my feelings freely.

The pain and disappointment seem to be therapyed by the cool sea breeze. And my bitter memories turn into beautiful ones on the beach.

"How about it, Ray? Give it a try!" I ask with a smile. My heart feels much more at ease now.

Ray nods and joins in shouting with enthusiasm, "Naina! Just forget about Redrick! He's the short Fake Frog! Not only that, he's also not handsome and means nothing! So let him be with that witch, Vienna! Forget about them! They don't deserve your attention!" Ray jokes cheerfully, and his voice echoes along the beach.

I laugh hearing Ray's joke, feeling the remaining burdens in my heart diminish. "Pffft, hahaha! Thank you, Ray," I say with a smile adorned by tears of happiness streaming from the corners of my eyes. A feeling of joy and relief envelops me.

Ray then turned to me, his gentle hand wiping away my tears with love and care. "Naina, a beautiful woman like you shouldn't cry. Smile, Naina!" he said tenderly, ensuring that I feel happy and protected.

Ray reached out his hand towards me, and I intertwined my fingers with his.

There was no way I could reject such sincerity... I thought to myself.

We walked together on the beach, strolling along the warm white sand beneath the bright sky. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful, as if nature itself was celebrating our happiness.

Thank you, Ray... I whispered in my heart, feeling the gentle touch of the refreshing sea breeze against my skin. A surprised expression appeared on my face as Ray suddenly scooped up some seawater and playfully splashed it towards me, all while smiling joyfully.

"Ray, stop!" I said, trying to dodge, but a cheerful smile indicated that I was enjoying this funny moment.

Laughter filled the beach as we played, running and chasing each other along the shoreline. Happy conversations and jokes filled the air, filling our hearts with delight. Joyful shouts mixed with the sound of waves crashing against the sand, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

"Come on, Naina! You can't catch me!" Ray exclaimed as he ran quickly, jumping over the scattered rocks along the beach.

"Just wait, Ray! I'll catch you!" I replied enthusiastically, running after Ray. My heart pounded with excitement and joy.

After several rounds of running and joyful laughter, we stopped for a moment to catch our breath on the beach. Sitting on the warm sand, we gazed at the vast horizon, letting the gentle breeze sweep through our hair.

"Naina, are you happy here?" Ray asked with a smile. His face was radiant, his eyes filled with warmth and tenderness.

"I'm incredibly happy, Ray. This beach is so much fun, it makes me feel alive! I'm truly happy!" I answered with a wide smile that reflected the satisfaction and peace in my heart.

"Me too, Naina," Ray said, mimicking my gesture by spreading his arms. He smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying the soothing sensation of the coastal breeze.

We laughed joyfully, feeling the warmth between us. Our bodies felt light, and the burdens of everyday life vanished in this moment.

"This beach is truly magical, Naina," Ray sighed softly. "Why does time feel so short today?" he turned to me, his gaze filled with curiosity and admiration.

"Feels short?" I asked in a soft voice, slightly curious about the meaning behind Ray's words.

I turned to face him, and our gazes met once again. The scene seemed to unfold in silence, warmth, and togetherness. My heart raced, as if the world paused for a moment.

Ray continued with a gentle tone, his eyes radiating love, "Could it be because of you, Naina, that time today passed by unnoticed?"

Thump!