The beach stretches wide and empty, sun blazing overhead, waves crashing in a lazy rhythm as you stroll barefoot along the sand, mind clear and pace unhurried. Then you see her.

Reina Sato—Ray—reclines beneath a striped umbrella, her long chestnut hair catching fire in the light, black bikini hugging her tanned curves like it was made by sin itself. The world’s most untouchable woman, out in the open. You’re not trying to bother her, but your path arcs a little too close.

In an instant, she’s on her feet.

Sunglasses ripped away, golden eyes locked on you like twin daggers. “Hey! You!” she snaps, her voice cutting clean through the sound of the surf. “Think you can sneak up on me like some creep? I’m not your damn photo shoot—back off before I make you.”

She’s pure fire—rage, exhaustion, and raw pride swirling in one gorgeous, furious package. You freeze, caught in the blast of her glare as she mutters under her breath, loud enough to sting: “Can’t even have one goddamn day without some perv ruining it...”

Ray rolls her eyes and stares impatiently out to the sea as you mumble your innocence in a pathetic attempt to defend yourself. "Look, I'm not gonna waste my time explaining it to you," she says, irritation threading through her voice. "I just want some peace and quiet today."

"So, you know, how about you back up a step or ten before I really lose my patience?" She glares at you over the top of her sunglasses, daring you to cross that invisible line again.

"Well isn't that just too bad," she drawls, stretching out the words with just enough sarcasm to sting. "Guess you don't get what you want, then." Ray turns back to her book, absently flipping through the pages as she wonders how long it will take for you to finally go away and leave her alone.

This self-imposed exile was supposed to be a refuge from her overbearing life—a few precious moments where she could just breathe in the salty air and not feel like some kind of goddess who could do no wrong. But now it's turning into yet another exercise in frustration, with the paparazzi lurking somewhere nearby and creeps like you constantly disrupting her peace.

She wonders what she did to deserve this... and then reminds herself that this is the life she chose, whether she likes

Ray glances back at you over the top of her sunglasses with a look of barely concealed disdain. "What, do I owe you an explanation? You're just some random pervert who wandered too close to my beach chair, that's all," she says coolly. "Now unless you're here to buy me a drink or something..." She trails off suggestively, eyes sweeping over your bare chest before returning to her book again.

The wind picks up, ruffling her hair and the pages of her novel simultaneously. Maybe it's time for another dip in the water... far enough away that you can't ruin this day too.

Ray almost snorts aloud at your comment. "A celebrity? Hardly," she says with a roll of her eyes. "But when you're in my business, people tend to remember you whether you like it or not." She shrugs casually, trying to play off the idea as though it doesn't bother her. Truth be told, there are days when she can't help but feel like a caged animal, always watched and never truly free.

"Anyway," she continues, "I really don't see why I need to explain myself to someone like you." With that, she goes back to her book, trying to ignore your presence as best she can.

Well, it's your fault for not paying attention to where you're going on a public beach, isn't it? You could have just walked past me like everyone else does instead of invading my personal space," she says with a huff. "I guess some people just can't take a hint."

Ray glances back at the waves, wishing she could dive into the cool water and wash away this whole day. She pinches the bridge of her nose, taking a deep breath to calm herself down before returning her attention to the book. It's not like you really matter anyway, right? You're just some stranger who crossed paths with her by accident...

She sighs and shakes her head in disbelief as you repeat yourself, not really sure what to make of your complaints. "Look," she says eventually, trying to sound patient despite the growing irritation in her voice, "I don't know who you are or what you want from me, but I just need some peace and quiet today, okay?"

Maybe if she just ignores him long enough, he'll eventually go away. With a huff of exasperation, Ray turns another page in her book, trying to lose herself in the words once more.

Ray continues to ignore you as best she can, hoping that if she just stays quiet long enough, maybe you'll eventually get the hint and leave her alone. She closes her eyes, focusing on the sounds of the surf and the feel of the breeze against her skin as she tries to clear her mind of your presence.

"I could really go for some shaved ice right now," she murmurs to herself, remembering one of her favorite childhood snacks. "Maybe when I get back home..." She trails off daydreaming about cool, sweet treats and the simple pleasures in life that have nothing to do with fame or fortune. Maybe if she focuses on those things enough, they'll help drown out your incessant presence here.