Harem Survival System: Stranded On An Island With Beautiful Women-Chapter 19: Changing Clothes

The sun hung lazily in the sky, its warm rays casting a golden shimmer over the ocean. Lucas and Nina waded through the water, laughing as they splashed at each other.

The tension from earlier had melted away, replaced by an easy, playful energy.

"Alright, alright — I surrender!" Lucas raised his hands in mock defeat as Nina sent another wave of water his way.

She smirked. "Too late. You started this."

Lucas grinned. "True, but I didn't expect you to fight back so fiercely."

"Then that's your mistake." Nina flipped her wet hair back, sending droplets flying in the air. "Never go easy on your opponent."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Indeed."

The two finally made their way back to shore, their bodies dripping with seawater. Lucas ran a hand through his soaked hair before grabbing the hem of his shirt and peeling it off.

The fabric clung to his skin, heavy with water, and he had to squeeze it out. Droplets splattered onto the sand as he laid it over a large rock to dry.

Nina, who had been shaking the water from her hands, glanced at him — and immediately looked away.

Her face felt warm despite the cool ocean breeze.

She hadn't expected that.

Lucas wasn't built like some massive bodybuilder, but he had a lean, toned frame.

His muscles were defined enough to be noticeable, his arms strong from fishing every day, his shoulders broad without being overwhelming.

And the faint outline of his four-pack abs definitely didn't go unnoticed.

Nina cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus on something — anything — else other than him.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a towel and an extra set of clothes.

She dried her hands before tossing the towel over her shoulders, using it to soak up the excess water clinging to her skin.

Lucas raised an eyebrow when she pulled out a fresh shirt and pants.

"You brought extra clothes?" he asked, surprised.

Nina shot him a look. "Unlike you, I plan ahead."

Lucas smirked. "Fair enough."

She sighed. "Turn around."

Lucas blinked. "Huh?"

"I need to change." Nina's voice was matter-of-fact, but there was a slight pink tinge on her cheeks. "And you're not getting a free show."

Lucas held his hands up. "Hey, I'm a gentleman."

"Debatable," she muttered, but he still turned around as instructed.

Behind him, he could hear the rustling of clothes, the soft patter of damp fabric hitting the sand.

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He kept his gaze on the horizon, listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

Despite himself, he found it a little amusing — Nina was always so confident, so in control, yet now she was the one acting a little flustered.

A minute later, a soft thump hit his back.

"Here."

Lucas turned to see a dry shirt in his hands.

He blinked. "What's this?"

"A shirt," Nina deadpanned.

"No, I mean — " He held it up, noting the size. It was slightly bigger than what he'd usually wear. "This isn't yours."

Nina folded her arms. "It was my brother's."

Lucas glanced at her.

She wasn't looking directly at him, instead focusing on the sand, her fingers fidgeting slightly with the hem of her sleeve.

Something about her expression made him pause.

Lucas slowly ran his thumb over the fabric. It was well-worn but clean, well-kept.

"...You sure?" he asked after a moment. "I don't want to take something important."

Nina finally met his gaze.

"It's fine," she said. "It's just a shirt."

Lucas didn't believe that for a second.

But he also knew better than to push.

He exhaled and slipped it over his head. It smelled faintly of salt and the ocean breeze, like it had been washed but carried traces of its past owner.

He rolled his shoulders. "Not bad."

Nina raised an eyebrow. "Not bad?"

Lucas smirked. "What, you want me to say it's amazing?"

She snorted. "I was hoping for a 'thank you.'"

Lucas grinned. "Then I guess I owe you one. Thanks, Nina."

Her expression softened slightly, but she quickly masked it.

"Just try not to ruin it in the next five minutes."

"No promises."

She shook her head, exasperated but amused.

Lucas stretched, feeling the fabric settle over him. It was a little loose, but comfortable.

Nina shifted, glancing at the ocean again.

"...My brother used to say the same thing," she murmured.

Lucas stilled.

For a moment, he debated whether to ask.

But he didn't need to — the way she looked out at the horizon told him enough.

He chose his words carefully. "Is he...?"

"Gone," Nina said simply. "Years ago."

Lucas nodded slowly. "I see."

The silence that followed wasn't awkward — it was just there.

After a beat, Nina exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "Anyway. You done being a wet dog?"

Lucas chuckled, shaking off the heavier moment. "You offering to dry me off?"

Nina scoffed. "Not in a million years."

Lucas smirked. "Damn. Guess I'll have to settle for the sun, then."

Nina rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile that tugged at her lips.

Lucas didn't press the topic further.

He'd learned something about her today — a piece of her past that she hadn't shared with anyone else.

And for once, he didn't feel the need to use it to his advantage.

Maybe... he just wanted to understand her better.

He looked out at the ocean, then back at her.

Lucas and Nina made their way back to camp, the sun slowly dipping toward the horizon, casting long golden shadows across the sand.

Their walk was mostly quiet, though it wasn't the awkward kind of silence — it was comfortable, the kind that didn't need to be filled with words.

Lucas carried the dumbbells easily, slinging them over his shoulders while Nina held her bag at her side.

Every now and then, he'd steal a glance at her, catching the faint tinge of pink dusting her cheeks.

Was she still thinking about their swim?

The thought made him smirk.

When they reached the camp's main clearing, Nina slowed her steps, glancing at him briefly before clearing her throat.

"Well... I'm heading to the food station," she said, brushing her hair back, "I'll take the dumbbells later,"

Lucas nodded. "Right. And I'm gonna..." He waved a hand lazily. "Go... exist somewhere."

Nina rolled her eyes. "Try not to cause trouble while you 'exist,' then."

"No promises," he teased, watching as she turned and strode off toward the food station.

Just before she disappeared into the crowd, she paused.

Then, without looking back, she lifted a hand and waved.