Island.
Layer upon layer of waves rolled onto the golden beach, like fine white fragments of silver washing over Lin Qiye's ankles.
He rolled up his pant legs and sat on the beach, his eyes fixed on the sea at the horizon, dyed red by the sinking sun. No one knew what he was thinking.
"Qiye, dinner's ready."
An Qingyu's voice came from behind him. Barefoot as well, he walked slowly over from the campfire with several fragrant, golden-brown grilled fish in hand.
"Thanks." Lin Qiye accepted the fish with a faint smile.
"Pangpang, this one's yours."
"..."
"Pangpang?"
An Qingyu's voice pulled Baili Pangpang from his daze. He had been lying on his back on the beach, staring blankly at the sky. He took the grilled fish. "Thanks."
"Why have you been so absent-minded all afternoon?" Cao Yuan asked curiously from the side. "What are you thinking about?"
"...Nothing, I'm not thinking about anything."
Baili Pangpang avoided Cao Yuan's gaze and lowered his head to eat in silence.
Lin Qiye took a bite of the grilled fish. Its crisp texture instantly filled his mouth with rich flavor, while the unhurried sea breeze brushed through his hair, bringing a hint of coolness.
He gazed at the horizon and let out a long sigh. "No matter how much time passes, this island is always so peaceful... I wonder how things are outside now."
"It should be no different from when we came here, right?" Cao Yuan thought for a moment before saying.
"But I just have this feeling... something isn't right."
"Oh, right. Didn't you say you were going to talk to Brother Spear? How did that go?"
"I did. I told him we wanted to leave the island for a while, help the other Special Squads with their missions, then