Oliver stood on the beach, surrounded by surfers preparing for the Christmas surfing contest.
They were waxing their boards, stretching, and visualizing their runs. Oliver was focused, his eyes fixed on the waves.
Miss Karen approached him, her voice carrying above the sound of the surf. "Oliver, can you ask Snow to call me?"
Oliver hesitated, "Snow's busy, Miss Karen. She has her own life."
Miss Karen's eyes narrowed. "I'm sure she'll make time for this."
Just then, Snow appeared, her presence commanding attention. "Why do you think I can't help, Miss Karen? I did a great job last time."
Miss Karen smiled. "Perfect! I love your spirit. I need you to be a judge for the surfing contest."
Snow nodded, her confidence evident. "I'm in. What do I need to do?"
After Miss Karen left, Snow turned to Oliver. "Stop trying to protect me, okay? I can handle this."
Oliver's expression softened. "I wasn't worried about you; I was worried about the contest."
Snow playfully threatened him. "I'll hit you right now."
Oliver chuckled. "You wish you could."
As he prepared to leave, Snow said, "I won't wish you good luck. I know you'll crush it."
Oliver laughed, ruffling her hair. "Stop treating me like a kid."
Snow smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Who said you're a kid?"
Oliver walked away, leaving Snow smiling after him, lost in thought.
___
Snow gathered her thoughts and decided to rally her friends for Oliver's surfing contest.
She called Minnie, instructing her to bring William along.
Minnie's response was immediate. "Oh, right! We'll be there right now."
William's voice chimed in, "Who was that?"
Minnie filled him in, "The surfing contest! You totally forgot, didn't you?"
William's reaction was priceless. "Oh my God, holy shit! I totally forgot! Let's go, let's go!"
They ordered a taxi and headed to the beach. Snow also decided to call Violet, hoping she'd join them.
Violet answered, her tone cautious. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Snow explained the situation, "I know you might not want to hear this, but can you come to Crestview University Beach? We're having a surfing contest, and Oliver needs his friends to cheer him on."
Violet's response was dry. "What makes you think we're friends?"
Snow persisted, "Hey, right now, that's not important. Even your ex needs you right now, so get back here."
Violet relented, "Alright, I'm on my way."
Snow asked a favor, "Can you bring Leo over? I can't reach him."
Violet hesitated, "Do I really have to?"
Snow's response was firm. "Yeah, you have to."
Violet joked, "You owe me big time, Snow."
Snow laughed, "Right, right, right."
The call ended, and Snow felt more confident with her friends on their way to support Oliver.
***
As the surfing contest began, the atmosphere at Crestview University Beach was electric.
Snow, Minnie, William, and Violet arrived, with Leo in tow, and took their positions as spectators. Oliver, looking focused, was among the competitors.
The contest kicked off with a series of heats, each surfer showcasing their skills on the waves.
The crowd cheered and chanted, creating an energetic atmosphere.
As the competition progressed, Oliver's friends cheered him on, shouting words of encouragement.
Snow was particularly vocal, her voice carrying above the din of the crowd.
When Oliver's heat arrived, he paddled out to catch the waves, his movements fluid and confident.
His friends watched in awe as he rode the waves, performing impressive tricks and maneuvers.
After the final heat, the judges deliberated, and the tension built.
Snow, Minnie, William, Violet, and Leo anxiously awaited the results.
Finally, the announcer declared the winner: Oliver! The crowd erupted in cheers as Oliver's friends rushed to congratulate him. He grinned, trophy in hand, looking elated.
The runner-up was a surfer named Alex, who nodded graciously to Oliver, acknowledging his victory.
As Oliver's friends surrounded him, Snow beamed with pride. "I knew you'd do it!"
Oliver smiled, "Thanks to you guys for cheering me on. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Minnie asked, "How does it feel to win?"
Oliver's response was humble. "It's amazing, but I'm just glad I could make it happen."
Snow teased, "You're going to be insurferable now, aren't you?"
Oliver chuckled, "Maybe a little."
"Hey!! congrats." Violet said to him, quietly and he thanked her.
The group laughed, basking in the celebratory atmosphere.
As they walked off the beach, Oliver's trophy held high, his friends knew this was a memory they'd cherish forever.
***
After the surfing contest, Oliver gathered his friends and said, "Let's head back to the hostels, get dressed, and celebrate my victory! I'm taking you all out."
As everyone dispersed, Oliver turned to Snow, his eyes sparkling. "Want to celebrate with me?"
Snow raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious right now?"
Oliver grinned. "I won! It's something to celebrate."
Snow playfully teased, "Ah, I won."
Oliver's smile grew wider as he took her hand. "Aren't you going to congratulate your boyfriend on winning this contest?"
Snow's voice dropped to a whisper. "You're not my boyfriend... it's just some paper."
Oliver chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Whatever is going on right now has to be real."
Snow's expression turned surprised, and she asked, "What do you mean?"
Oliver poked her forehead gently. "You figure it out, silly. And you still owe me a congratulations kiss."
Snow's cheeks flushed as Oliver reminded her. "Go get dressed, and don't forget, I'm serious."
As they walked, Snow asked, "What about you?"
Oliver replied, "I'll figure it out. You go get dressed."
Snow insisted, "No, no, no. You're going with me. Go get something to wear."
Oliver smiled, "You never lose, do you?"
Snow's laughter mingled with his. "Of course, I am your supposed girlfriend."
Their banter continued as they walked off the beach, the sun setting behind them.
After shopping for outfits, Oliver and Snow headed to the mall's dressing area to get ready.
They spent some time styling their hair and perfecting their looks.
Snow wore a stunning red dress that brought out the color in her eyes, while Oliver wore a sleek black shirt that highlighted his broad shoulders and piercing eyes.
Their outfits complemented each other, accentuating their individual features and adding to the chemistry between them.
When they finally emerged, Oliver's eyes locked onto Snow, and he couldn't help but stare.
"You look stunning," he said, his voice low and romantic. "That dress brings out the color in your eyes."
Snow's cheeks flushed, and her face turned a deep shade of red. She tried to play it cool, but her embarrassment was evident.
Oliver teased her, "You're blushing. I love it."
Snow denied it, "I'm not blushing!"
Oliver chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Your face says otherwise."
Snow's blush deepened, and she looked away, trying to compose herself.
When Snow turned to Oliver, her eyes widened in admiration. "You look handsome too," she said, her voice sincere. "The shirt brings out your eyes."
Oliver smiled, feeling pleased with himself. "Thanks. I was hoping you'd like it."
As they stood there, admiring each other, the tension between them was palpable.
Oliver's romantic compliment had left Snow feeling shy and flustered, but she couldn't deny the connection she felt with him.
Their banter continued, but beneath the surface, they both knew that their relationship was evolving into something more meaningful.