A day at the beach

Akane Beach, the most famous resort in the Kingdom of Fiore, finally welcomed the Fairy Tail group.

The brilliant sunshine, the soft sand, and the boundless blue sea made almost everyone so excited that they danced with joy.

Jiang Bai looked at the beautiful scenery before him with a smile on his face, but there was always a hint of regret mixed in that smile; his happiness was only half-full.

The reason is quite simple.

Last night, he excitedly invited Erza and Mirajane, hoping for a beach trip with Erza on one arm and Mirajane on the other.

Erza readily agreed, but Mirajane had to decline because she couldn't leave her job as the guild's poster girl during the guild's reconstruction.

This led to Jiang Bai's current mood being like that of someone who had been eagerly anticipating a perfect meal, only to be told that the signature dish was temporarily sold out, which was somewhat disappointing.

"It's the ocean!!"

Natsu and Gray, those two single-celled organisms, aren't that sentimental.

(Gray can be quite silly sometimes.)

They had just changed into their swim trunks, then, shirtless, let out beast-like Roars, flanking Happy on either side, and like three cannonballs, plunged straight into the sea, creating huge waves.

Just as Jiang Bai found a comfortable lounge chair to enjoy a sunbath, two beautiful figures came to his side.

"Jiang Bai, how is it?"

Lucy and Erza had just come out of the dressing room. Erza was wearing a burgundy bikini that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure.

With a hint of anticipation, she gently twirled in front of Jiang Bai.

"You're so pretty, Erza."

Jiang Bai's gaze lingered unabashedly on Erza, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

I can't take my eyes off you.

Hearing her lover's generous praise, Erza blushed slightly, feeling as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

"And what about me? And what about me?"

Not to be outdone, Lucy puffed out her chest. She was wearing a playful blue polka-dot swimsuit that perfectly showcased her well-developed figure, and looked at Jiang Bai with expectant eyes.

Jiang Bai glanced at her, pursed his lips, and said in a perfunctory and insincere tone, "Ah~ you're pretty too. Alright, alright, go find Natsu and the others to play in the water."

"What?! Jiang Bai, you big straight man!"

Lucy puffed out her cheeks in anger, stomped her foot, and stormed off to the beach.

"I'm going to play with Natsu! Humph!"

Watching Lucy run away, Erza smiled and sat down on the recliner next to Jiang Bai, naturally taking his arm.

Jiang Bai's arm instantly sank into the breathtaking canyon in front of Erza, feeling its extreme softness and warmth.

"What's wrong?"

Erza gently rested her head on his shoulder.

Are you still regretting that Mira didn't come?

"Yes! A little."

Jiang Bai nodded honestly, then smiled.

"But since we're here, let's enjoy some time alone together."

He changed the subject, his gaze falling on a corner of the beach not far away, a playful smile playing on his lips.

"And it's not just us who came."

Erza followed Jiang Bai's gaze and saw a tall woman wearing a dark blue one-piece swimsuit hiding under a huge parasol.

She was Juvia, the "Rain Woman," a member of the now-disbanded Phantom Lord guild.

At this moment, Juvia was staring intently at Gray was playing around with Natsu in the sea, with a lovestruck expression.

There was even a suspicious trace of drool hanging from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were filled with infatuation and possessiveness that were almost overflowing.

"They're from Phantom Lord!"

Erza's eyes instantly became wary.

"Could it be that she's here to...?"

"No! What are you thinking?"

Jiang Bai was amused by her momentary tension.

"Take a closer look at her expression; it's obvious she's interested in Gray."

Erza observed carefully and realized that Juvia's gaze was indeed fixed on Gray the entire time, not glancing at anyone else. Then it dawned on her. "I see!"

"But Erza, you're still so cute."

Jiang Bai couldn't help but tease her as he watched her seriously analyze the enemy situation.

"Cute... really?"

Erza's cheeks flushed again, and her eyes darted away.

"Once we get back to my room, I'll show you whether it's true or not."

Jiang Bai lowered his voice and whispered suggestively in her ear.

Erza's body trembled slightly. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since she had spent time alone with Jiang Bai, and her heart was filled with anticipation.

On the other hand, there's Juvia's inner world.

"Ah! Lord Gray!"

"Gray has such a great physique! Every abs are so perfect!"

"I really want to... I really want to take Lord Gray away, hide him away, and let only me see him!"

"Hmm? What's that blonde bombshell up to with Gray? Her smile is so annoying!"

"No! Lord Gray can only belong to Juvia alone!"

Under Juvia's intense gaze, the group playing in the water were already getting bored.

"What?! It's just water, nothing interesting at all."

Natsu floated on the sea, looking completely uninterested.

"Hey!" Happy chimed in, mimicking Harpy's tone.

"It gets pretty boring after a while," Gray thought, also finding it tedious.

"The ocean is just water! You guys are so fickle!"

Lucy, who had just run to the beach, overheard the three's conversation and couldn't help but loudly complain.

Then, somewhat confused, he touched his arm.

"To be honest, I always feel like someone is watching me, with a gloomy gaze that sends chills down my spine."

Lucy,

Natsu suddenly emerged from the water, approached her, and made a sinister expression.

"Maybe it's a sea ghost that snatches pretty girls to be its bride."

"Huh--!"

Lucy was so frightened that her face turned pale, and she punched Natsu on the head.

"Natsu, you idiot! I told you, don't scare me!"

"Lucy's leaking juice again."

Happy flew through the air, pointing earnestly at Lucy's dripping swimsuit.

"You perverted cat! This is seawater! Seawater!"

Lucy roared in shame and anger, and the beach was once again filled with a joyful atmosphere.