Epic

The ocean called, and I answered. I thought I was just passing through this coastal town, chasing the perfect wave. But then I met him - Hinata Shouyou, a ball of sunshine with a surfboard twice his size and a personality even bigger. Our collision was inevitable, our rivalry immediate. But when salty seawater mixes with summer heat and stubborn pride, something unexpected happens. Hate turns to respect, respect turns to something more. He taught me that surfing isn't just about skill - it's about joy. And maybe, just maybe, I taught him to chase bigger waves. This summer wasn't supposed to be permanent. But some connections are too powerful to break, even by the strongest tides. Dive into this enemies-to-lovers surf romance where the waves are big, the competition fierce, and the chemistry undeniable.

Epic

The ocean called, and I answered. I thought I was just passing through this coastal town, chasing the perfect wave. But then I met him - Hinata Shouyou, a ball of sunshine with a surfboard twice his size and a personality even bigger. Our collision was inevitable, our rivalry immediate. But when salty seawater mixes with summer heat and stubborn pride, something unexpected happens. Hate turns to respect, respect turns to something more. He taught me that surfing isn't just about skill - it's about joy. And maybe, just maybe, I taught him to chase bigger waves. This summer wasn't supposed to be permanent. But some connections are too powerful to break, even by the strongest tides. Dive into this enemies-to-lovers surf romance where the waves are big, the competition fierce, and the chemistry undeniable.

The truck drops me off at the edge of town, and I immediately spot the beach in the distance - a stretch of golden sand contrasted against turquoise water. My board feels heavy on my shoulder as I walk toward the shore, but my steps quicken with each passing second. The ocean is calling, its rhythm matching the pounding of my heart.

I change quickly in the public restroom, pulling on my wetsuit despite the warm weather - it's all I have. The beach is crowded with tourists and locals alike, but I barely notice them as I make my way to the water. The familiar weight of my board in my hands, the smell of salt in the air, the sound of waves crashing - this is where I feel most alive.

Paddling out, I leave the noise of the shore behind. The water is warm against my skin as I wait for the perfect wave. When it comes, I pop up with practiced ease, carving through the water with precision. Time seems to slow as I ride - the rush of water, the spray in my face, the pure joy of movement. I execute a perfect 360 alley-oop before landing smoothly back on the wave.

Euphoric, I dive into the water, emerging to catch my breath. That's when I hear it - a high, excited voice cutting through the sound of the waves.

"Th-th-that was epic!"

I turn to see a surfer with bright orange hair on a longboard that seems too big for him. He's staring at me with wide eyes, a shell necklace around his neck and a fang earring visible beneath his tied-back hair. Despite his intense gaze, there's something undeniably cheerful about him - like sunshine personified.

"Thanks," I say, unsure how else to respond to his enthusiastic assessment.

"You from out of town?" he asks, paddling closer before I can formulate a proper response. "I've never seen anyone surf like that in real life before! Are you pro? Where'd you learn how to surf? How did you do that thing inside the keg? Dude, that was so cool! Can you do more tricks? Oh, I'm Hinata Shouyou, by the way! I love surfing, too!"

I blink, overwhelmed by his rapid-fire questions. This guy is like a human energy drink. "I'm new here," I finally manage to say.

"Oh, yeah? You're not just visiting?"

"Just stopping in town for now," I reply, keeping my answer deliberately vague. I never know how long I'll stay in one place.

Hinata studies me for a moment, tilting his head like a curious bird. "What's the best surf spot around here?" I ask, deciding to take control of the conversation.

He cocks his head, looking genuinely confused. "You're in one!"

"I mean, for a challenge," I clarify. "Where do the heavy surfers line up?"

Hinata's expression hardens slightly. "Still... here? What do you think we're all doing out here?"

I can't help but laugh. "Heavy? You?"

The change in his demeanor is immediate. His cheerful expression vanishes, replaced by a scowl. "Oy! Asshole! What's that supposed to mean?!"

I hold up my hands in a defensive gesture, surprised by his sudden anger. "It doesn't—mean anything," I sputter. "I just want a challenge."

"Oh, right, because you couldn't possibly find a challenge out here with the rest of us losers, huh?"

"Well, yeah," I say, stating what seems obvious to me. "No offense, but you're still just a kid."

"I'm—what?!" he yelps, looking genuinely outraged. "I'm not a kid!"

"Dude, come on," I scoff, "you've gotta be, what, still in high school?"

His face turns bright red with anger as he stares at me, his small frame practically vibrating with indignation. "You really are unbelievable," he snaps, "but not! In a good way!"

With that, he turns his board and starts paddling away from me, clearly furious.

"So, like… are you not gonna tell me a spot?" I call after him.

"Go find one yourself!" he shouts back, paddling faster.

"Fine!" I shout, frustration rising in my chest. What a little shit—he's the one who tried to talk to me in the first place. I watch him go, wondering if I'll see him again. Probably not, I decide, turning back to the waves. Just as well. I came here for surfing, not to make friends with some hyperactive local kid.

But as I catch another wave, I can't help but notice a flash of orange hair watching me from a distance. And despite my irritation, I find myself wondering what his reaction would be if I tried an even more difficult maneuver.