My Beloved, My Dear

06

The next morning, Eren woke up to the soft sounds of waves crashing and seagulls calling. He stretched lazily, feeling the pleasant soreness from the previous day's activities. He quickly got ready, eager to see what the new day had in store.

Heading down to breakfast, Eren found the dining area bustling with early risers. He grabbed a plate of fresh fruit and pastries and looked around for a familiar face. Spotting Mikasa at a table near the window, he made his way over.

"Morning, Mikasa," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from her.

"Good morning, Eren," she replied with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a rock," he laughed. "You?"

"Pretty well. The sound of the ocean is so soothing," she said, taking a sip of her coffee.

As they ate, they talked about their plans for the day. The resort offered a variety of activities, from snorkeling and paddleboarding to beach volleyball and yoga sessions. Eren and Mikasa decided to try snorkeling, excited at the prospect of exploring the underwater world.

They met up with a group of friends and other guests for the snorkeling trip.

"Sasha, Connie, Jean, this is Eren and Armin. Eren, Armin, this is Sasha, Connie, and Jean." Mikasa says, pointing to her friends, and introducing them to Eren and Armin. 

A few "Nice to meet you,"s and background information were exchanged between the group as they approached the snorkeling station by the beach.

 After a brief safety lesson and equipment check, they waded into the crystal-clear water. Eren was immediately captivated by the vibrant coral reefs and the colorful fish darting around them. He glanced over at Mikasa, who was equally mesmerized, her eyes wide with wonder behind her snorkel mask.

The underwater beauty was breathtaking. Schools of tropical fish swam in synchronized patterns, and the sunlight filtering through the water created a dazzling display of light and shadow. Eren felt a deep sense of peace and awe, grateful for this shared experience with Mikasa.

After an hour of exploring, they reluctantly made their way back to shore. They took off their gear, chatting excitedly about everything they had seen.

"That was amazing," Sasha said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Me neither," Armin agreed. "I'm so glad we did this."

They spent the rest of the morning lounging on the beach, enjoying the sun and the cool breeze. As lunchtime approached, they joined the rest of the group for a beachside barbecue. The scent of grilled meat and vegetables filled the air, and the sound of laughter and conversation created a lively, festive atmosphere.

Eren and Mikasa filled their plates and found a spot under a large umbrella. They were soon joined by Armin, Jean, Sasha, and Connie, who were equally enthusiastic about the morning's activities.

"This trip just keeps getting better," Connie said, taking a big bite of his burger. "What's the plan for the afternoon?"

"I heard there's a volleyball game," Jean said. "We should join."

"Count me in," Sasha said, her eyes lighting up at the mention of competition. "I'm ready to win."

Eren and Mikasa exchanged amused glances. "Why not?" Eren said. "It sounds like fun."

The afternoon was spent in a friendly competition. Teams were formed, and the beach volleyball game began. Eren, Mikasa, and their friends played with enthusiasm, laughing and cheering each other on. The games were intense but good-natured, and the camaraderie between the companies was evident.

By the time the sun began to set, Eren felt a pleasant exhaustion. They gathered once again for a bonfire, the day's events leaving everyone in high spirits. Grisha stood up to address the group, his voice filled with pride and gratitude.

"I want to thank each one of you for making this trip so memorable," he said, looking around at the smiling faces. "It's been a wonderful opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Let's carry this spirit of teamwork and friendship back with us to the office."

As the bonfire crackled and the stars began to appear in the night sky, Eren felt a deep sense of contentment. He looked at Mikasa, who was seated across him, her face illuminated by the firelight. At that moment, surrounded by friends and colleagues, Eren knew that this trip had created bonds that would last long after they returned home.

The evening continued with stories, music, and laughter, and Eren realized that he was exactly where he wanted to be.