mmm you have no idea how much i liked writing this
ALBERTâS PHONE LET OUT A QUIET PING, MAKING HIM TURN FROM WHERE HE WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR. He let out a grumble and dropped the comb heâd been using to style his hair, reaching out to snag his phone.
The screen lit up as he pressed the home button, revealing the preview of the text. His heart jumped a little when he saw that the text came from Race. Scolding himself for the sudden burst of excitement, Albert opened it, not reading what little of the text that was provided beforehand and looked it over.
   > Race  Are you free today?
His heart leaped again, but Albert hesitated a moment before he typed a reply. He wasnât sure if he wanted to become involved in whatever scheme Race was cooking up currently. Last time Race had asked Albert if he was free, they TPed several houses in Raceâs neighborhood.
   > Albert  That depends. Why?
It took only a moment before Race replied.
   > Race  I was wondering if you wanted to head to the beach with me.
   > Albert  Is this a trick?
   > Race  I swear itâs not, Al. So, uh, yes or no?
Albert thought for a moment. He was free all day, actually, and didnât assume that anything would pop up. And besides, a day at the beach? Albert hadnât visited a beach for over two years, and it would definitely be fun to head to one with Race.
   > Albert  Fiiine. You driving?
   > Race  Yep! Iâll pick you up at noon.
The grin that appeared on Albertâs face stretched widely. For once, he was going to let himself have some fun. Sure, heâd remember to stay on his toes, especially since Race was the one asking. But Albert was certain to try and fool around for the first time in forever. Â
âAl! Put up the window!â
Albert laughed, sticking a hand out the open passenger window of Raceâs car. He waved his fingers, feeling the wind whip around his skin.
âCâmon, Race,â Albert said, glancing at his friend with a grin. âI havenât been to a beach in eons. Lemme have some fun.â
Race rolled his eyes playfully, reaching over with one hand to smack Albertâs shoulder playfully. âYou were the one who said you wanted to save smelling the ocean air for when we actually got there,â reminded Race.
Albert shrugged, bringing his hand back into the car. He left the window open. âNothing wrong with an early taste of the best-smelling air in the world,â he said.
Race shrugged, a smirk crossing his face. âAt least it drowns out that disgusting cologne youâre wearing,â he replied, smugness filling his tone.
Reaching out, Albert flicked Raceâs arm. âShut up,â he grumbled. But just in case, Albert raised his arm to his nose, taking a quick sniff. The way he screwed up his face afterward made Race laugh.
Only fifteen minutes later, Race and Albert were waist-deep in the cool ocean water, waves crashing over them as they swam after and tackled each other.
âCareful!â Albert choked out between laughs, saltwater filling his mouth. âDonsplashme!â Race refused to follow the plea, his hand smacking the water, sending a small wave in Albertâs direction.
He grinned evilly when Albert had to spit out another mouthful of salty water. The grin faded when Albert started to swim in Raceâs direction. Race desperately tried to swim away, only to be grabbed by Albert from behind.
The two thrashed, sending water everywhere. A wave built up behind them, falling down on their heads as they continued to flail around. When they both shot up above the surface, holding each other by the shoulders, gasping for air, there was a moment of calm.
When the two caught their breath, silence filled the air. Their chests were almost touching and the grips they had on each other seemed to tighten in the moment as seagulls screeched in the background.
âYou know,â Albert said softly. âIf this was one of those cheesy romance movies, weâd kiss right about now.â
The smile Race gave was so gentle that Albert felt his heart melt. âYeah,â agreed Race. âBut this is real life, sadly.â The way he said it made Albert wonder if Race truly meant what he just said.
Albert nodded and there was another moment of quiet between them before it was broken by Race. âYou know,â he began, âwe should prove that those moments can happen in real life.â
Albertâs melted heart seemed to form again just so it could skip a dozen beats. âIâm not sure I know what you mean,â Albert choked out, his mouth drying up.
âActually, Iâm pretty sure you do,â Race replied, his smile widening.
Albertâs mouth opened to argue, but whatever he was going to say before faded away as Race leaned closer. âSo,â continued Race. âAre we gonna make it happen?â Albert scrambled for words but was at such a loss that all he could do was a nod.
Race closed the gap and their lips crashed together, the waves splashing around them. Saltwater sprayed their faces as they pulled apart, making Race laugh as he wiped his face off with a wet hand.
Finally able to find something to say, Albert opened his mouth to speak. âIs it weird to say âI love youâ after only one kiss?â His face was bright red.
Race shook his head. âNah,â he assured Albert. ââCause I knew that I loved you before we shared our first kiss.â