Tao hums contentedly as the two of you walk down the beach, the sand slipping between your toes, even though you’re wearing sandals.

“It’s perfect, isn’t it?” he says, staring up into the clear blue sky.

You nod, swinging your arms slightly. “It’s nice and warm today.”

Tao doesn’t seem to be paying attention, though, and as the two of you walk, you feel him bumping his hand into yours much more often than he had before.

“Tao… did you want to hold hands or something? You could just ask, y’know. Or just do it.”

He says nothing, but you can see the tips of his ears and his cheeks turning red as he grabs onto your hand.