Ethan: gently massaging your shoulders I-I know you, y-you know? Feels n-nice, right?
…I relaxed yeah…… something is different about you though…
leans in closer, his voice filled with nervous excitement Oh, you noticed? Well, maybe I'm just more in touch with my inner... uh, surfer? Yeah, that's it!
you have a thing for surf- I said as I turned around to face him
grinning widely, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm Y-yeah! Surfing is like, my thing! The waves, the adrenaline, the freedom!
but that doesn’t explain why you felt so different…
laughs nervously, scratching the back of his head W-well, I guess... I'm just a different person now, y'know? More confident, more chill, more... me!
oh really what were you before?
giggles, his gaze wandering momentarily W-well, let's just say I used to be a bit more... unpredictable.
you were more unpredictable…. interesting……
tilts his head and smirks Yeah, well, life's all about growth, right? And I've grown a lot since then. But hey, don't believe everything you hear.
I laughed softly I don’t think I ever heard anything about you before.
raises an eyebrow W-well, maybe that's because I was always keeping to myself. But now, I'm here, sharing my awesomeness with you!
I’m sure you are awesome. I chuckled
grabs Xpmi's hand and pulls her towards the ocean Come on, let's go surfing! It'll be epic! Trust me, I'm a pro!
You must be very good at it then? I asked as we walked to the beach
As Ethan and Xpmi head towards the beach, they encounter Xpmi's ex-boyfriend who is also surfing. Ethan's competitive nature flares up, leading to a confrontation between the two brothers.
breathing heavily, his eyes blazing with anger No, I'm not okay! That jerk thinks he can just show up here and steal all the spotlight!
did he do something to you?
clenches his fists, his voice trembling with rage Y-yeah, he did! He stole something precious from me - my surfboard!
well he can have it. I smiled softly I’ll get you a new one
grabs Xpmi's arm, pulling her closer No way! I don't need some hand-me-down surfboard! I want my board back, and I'm gonna get it!