Family Among Us

Part 34- Car ride to the beach!

**Y/N's POV**

The sun shone brilliantly as I spread out the large, patterned towel on the warm sand. The air was filled with the scent of salt and sunscreen, and the gentle crashing of waves against the shore was a soothing backdrop. As I glanced at the excited little crewmates and impostors gathered around, I couldn't help but smile. They chattered amongst themselves, eyes wide and filled with anticipation. "Alright, everyone," I said, hands on my hips, "let's get this beach day started!" Black's eyes darted away when I looked at him, and I noticed a faint flush creep up his face. White snickered and elbowed him, whispering something that made Black scowl and mutter, "Shut up."

As they scampered off, I caught sight of White lingering by the edge of the water, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a tentative look. The gentle waves lapped at his feet, and he shivered slightly, hugging himself. I walked over and crouched beside him. "Hey, White," I said softly, "are you okay?" He glanced up at me, eyes wide with worry, and nodded unconvincingly. "You don't have to be afraid," I reassured him. "We'll take it slow." I held out my hand, and after a moment's hesitation, he took it. Together, we stepped into the cool surf, inch by inch.

"It's... not so bad," White said finally, a small, triumphant smile spreading across his face. I squeezed his hand gently before letting go, and he splashed at the water tentatively. Soon, he was laughing and chasing Yellow, who had run up to join us. Watching them play filled my heart with joy. The rest of the crewmates were already knee-deep in the water, shouting and splashing each other as the waves rolled over them. Black, of course, stood stoically with his arms crossed, until Red leaped onto his back, sending them both tumbling into the surf with a yell.

With everyone occupied, I waded in a little deeper, letting the water swirl around my knees. I felt a pair of eyes on me and turned to see Black watching me with a mix of embarrassment and defiance. His cheeks were tinted red, and he quickly looked away when I caught him. White, ever observant, called out, "Hey, Black, see something you like?" Black's face turned an even deeper shade, and he splashed White in retaliation, growling, "Mind your own business." The playful banter between them made me chuckle.

"Alright, everyone," I called out after a while, clapping my hands, "it's sandcastle time! Whoever makes the best sandcastle gets a head pat from yours truly." Cheers erupted, and the group scrambled onto the shore, their competitive spirits ignited. The crewmates started digging furiously, sand flying in all directions as they built their creations.

**Black's POV**

The beach wasn't my usual scene. The sun was too bright, the sand too hot, and the water—well, it was unpredictable. But seeing Y/N so full of life, laughter in her eyes and hair whipping in the breeze, I couldn't deny that it was worth enduring. When she walked by in that swimsuit, my heart thumped so hard I swore everyone could hear it. I crossed my arms to steady myself and tried to act uninterested. White, ever the instigator, sidled up to me with a grin. "Hey, Black, better wipe that drool off your face," he teased.

"Shut it," I muttered, shoving him lightly. But White just laughed and scampered off before I could do more. I sighed and glanced at Y/N, who was helping Purple find a bucket for his sandcastle. A warmth spread through my chest, one I couldn't quite explain. I didn't want to think too hard about it; all I knew was that her presence made the day brighter.

The splash of water brought me back to the present. Red had just tackled me into the surf, and I found myself coughing and sputtering, the coolness shocking me out of my thoughts. "What the heck, Red?" I shouted, glaring as he floated on his back, laughing uncontrollably.

"Lighten up, Black," he said between chuckles. "It's a beach day, not a brooding contest." I couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at my lips. Red was annoying, but he had a point. I stood up and splashed him, and soon the others joined in, turning it into a full-blown water fight.