The night had unraveled and spilled effortlessly into the early hours of morning, blurring the line between dusk and dawn. A soft chorus of birds on their seasonal journey flitted through the cool air, their songs adding a delicate harmony to the morning’s stillness. Overhead, a dance of dark-winged creatures painted fleeting patterns across the sky, gathering and scattering, only to reunite in elegant formation as they navigated unseen currents toward distant horizons.

The boat party had left its mark on everyone in attendance. The sharp tang of alcohol hung in the air like a second breeze, interwoven with the scent of saltwater and mischief. Bottles, half-full glasses, and crumpled cups littered every surface, scattered across tables, benches, and the deck itself. Some partiers lay sprawled across the floor, lost in sleep, still clutching empty bottles as if they were lifelines from the previous night’s revelry.

“Ooooi, seems like people had a blast,” Tōga mused, the vibrant pink of his hair catching the early light as it fluttered with the breeze. The dragon slayer picked his way carefully through the maze of unconscious bodies and discarded remnants of the night, mindful not to disturb anyone or step on the clutter beneath his boots. He had left Drakkon behind hours earlier, the man more than happy to spend his evening entwined with one of the many beautiful women who’d graced the party. Tōga, on the other hand, had called it a night after one last drink, retreating to his hotel room. Sleep, however, had eluded him, and after restless hours staring at the ceiling, he decided to venture back to where the lingering hum of activity promised to stave off the solitude.

Following the faint echoes of laughter and splashing, Tōga soon found himself by the water’s edge, where the remnants of the party had migrated. Some guests were already swimming, their movements lazy and carefree, while others busied themselves gathering gear and towels, preparing to join in. A sense of easy amity hovered over the crowd, as if the water were washing away the remnants of the previous night’s chaos.

Tōga glanced down at the swim trunks he had worn to the party. Thankfully, room service had taken care of cleaning them in time for another round of fun. Smirking to himself, he slid the trunks on once more, the Rune Knight Colonel ready to dive into the refreshing waters. Just as he adjusted the waistband, a familiar figure on the far side of the gathering caught his eye—Drakkon, unmistakably enigmatic even in the morning light, with his usual companion Hai at his side.

A grin spread across Tōga’s face as he cupped his hands to his mouth. “Ooooi, Drakkon-san!” he called out, his voice carrying across the water like a challenge issued in good spirits.

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wc: 491