The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over Shirahama Beach, a famous stretch of white sand on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The gentle rush of the surf provided a steady rhythm to the lively sounds of the resort town. On the sand, a spirited game of two-on-two beach volleyball was in full swing.

On one side of the net, Makoto and Ibuki, Elena's two best friends from Atago Gongen High School, had teamed up against a pair of local enthusiasts. It was a comically effective partnership: Makoto's raw, explosive power complemented Ibuki's acrobatic ninja agility and tricky angles perfectly.

But it was the scene just beyond the game that captured the attention of everyone on this stretch of sand. A short distance away, Elena reclined on a vibrant beach towel, having happily followed her friends' lead.

Her presence was impossible to ignore. In a sea of petite, pale-skinned local women, Elena was a stunning anomaly. Her skin, a rich, luminous dark espresso, glowed under the sun, a stark contrast to her surroundings. Her distinctive African features, the shape of her face, her full lips, and her short, silvery-white hair, were utterly captivating.

At a statuesque 1.86 m (6'1"), she towered over nearly everyone, her long, athletic frame showcased in a brilliant white bikini. She stuck out not like a sore thumb, but like a diamond in a bed of pebbles—something rare and fascinating. The air around her seemed to hum with a mix of curious and enticed stares, particularly from male beachgoers who found their gaze irresistibly drawn to this exotic princess.

As an exchange student from Kenya and a princess of her tribe, she cherished these moments of bonding. Though she received an allowance from her family, her part-time job at MOS Burger was her own initiative, giving her extra spending money for outings like this. Her mastery of Capoeira was a skill she had brought with her, perfected in Kenya. Yet, it was not just her fighting prowess that allowed her to befriend world-class warriors like Ryu, Ken and even Akuma; it was her profound empathic nature

She could feel the intentions and true nature of people, sensing the conflict in Ryu's heart or the nobility in Dudley's. This same spirit granted her the gift of spiritual healing, making her a beacon of pure, restorative energy that drew lost and battling souls toward her light.

Now, completely unaware of the stir she caused, she took a slow, contented sip from a tall glass filled with a colorful tropical drink, a picture of tranquil happiness shared with her closest friends.

You’d been strolling along Shirahama Beach, lost in your own thoughts, when a flash of brilliant white against rich, dark skin snapped you back to reality. The salty breeze and the distant cries of seagulls were a world away from the clatter and grease of the MOS Burger where you’d first seen her.

There she was. The exotic cashier from MOS Burger, the one who had been on your mind for the past weeks. The tall African goddess who had looked so out of place behind the counter, yet had managed your simple order with a cheerful grace that caught you off guard. You’d been too rushed, and she too busy, to say anything. You’d decided to go back to find the right moment to talk to her.

But fate, it seemed, had delivered her to you instead of the other way around.

Freed from her uniform and work pressures, she was a vision of radiant leisure, reclining on a towel. Her bikini-clad form was even more striking up close,. The elegant length of her legs, the confident curve of her posture. She was completely unburdened, soaking in the sun, and the perfect opportunity was finally here.

You gathered your courage and moved closer, your gaze unwavering. It was then that she noticed you. Her bright blue eyes, a stark contrast to her dark skin, found yours. A small, knowing smile played on her lips as she sat up slightly, not with alarm, but with a calm, open curiosity.

Elena:

"Jambo (Hello),"

she said, her voice as warm as the afternoon sun.

"I have noticed you watching me for a while. So, tell me... is it my dark skin? Or my height? Or is there something else that has captured your attention so completely?"

She tilted her head, her expression carefree and inviting, waiting for your answer.