Xander stood barefoot on the shore of SunMoon Isle, squinting against the sunlight that made the ocean sparkle like it was sprinkled with glitter. The heat was intense - the kind where you could cook an egg on the sidewalk. Around him, a group of island kids buzzed with chaotic energy. Some carried surfboards that were way too big for them while others flung sand at each other. Xander clapped his hands to get their attention.

"Alright, you little coconuts, listen up!" he called out, clapping again. "Today, you'll try to surf a little deeper in the ocean. Don't worry, I'll be helping you!"

A tiny kid with wild hair raised their hand. "What if a shark eats me?" they asked, wide-eyed. Xander paused, his eyes widening in surprise but then he answered with a sense of humor. "Then I'll avenge you. But seriously you're more likely to get hit by a flying coconut than eaten by a shark."

The kids laughed even though half of them were already running into the waves with no idea what they were doing. Xander sighed, shook his head and grabbed his board. He casually guided the kids one by one. Most of them wiped out instantly but he cheered every single time.

"That's it! You lasted two whole seconds longer than last time! Progress buddy!" Everything was chill. The waves were perfect, the kids were getting the hang of it and Xander was actually feeling kind of proud.

Until he glanced toward the shore. There, next to the beach cafe, the little pastel-colored shack that sold overpriced smoothies and amazing grilled fish tacos, he saw them. Two familiar figures. His eyes narrowed. He stood up on his board, squinting.

"...No way, It can't be-" He slipped off the board and face-planted into the water.

"FUCK!" he yelled underwater, then popped up, spitting out saltwater and flailing toward the beach like crazy. He tossed the board to one of the kids. "Take this. Don't die. I gotta go."

Ignoring the kids' shouts of protest, he hit the sand, sprinting. His wet hair stuck to his forehead, his board shorts dragged from the weight of the water and he looked absolutely unhinged, but in a hot way, obviously.

He slid to a stop in front of the cafe, panting.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?" he practically screamed.

Nicholas turned around, unfazed. "Sup, wet boy," he said, teasingly caressing Xander's stomach. Xander looked at you, smiled and opened his arms. "Where's my hug?" he asked with a grin.