Catching a fish requires extreme patience and dedication to the fishy pursuit. Rowan had never been much of a fisherman, but today, science demanded it.
As the golden light of the late afternoon sun bathed the road ahead, Rowan drove his yellow Miata down the familiar winding path that led to the riverbank just outside of town. The same river where, years ago, he had discovered the perfect water filtration setup for his science experiments. That day had been a defining moment for him - one that had cemented his love for environmental science. Now, he was back for another experiment, this time needing a fresh fish sample.
Pulling into a small clearing near the river, he parked and grabbed his fishing supplies from the trunk. His phone, already mounted on a tripod, was set to stream his attempt live to his growing audience. As he made his way down to the water's edge, he took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of earth, water, and the faint smokiness of distant fireplaces burning as the evening approached.
With his phone positioned just right, he greeted his viewers. "Alright, everyone, science requires sacrifice. And today, that sacrifice is my dignity as I attempt to catch a fish for research purposes."
The chat lit up with comments, but one stood out immediately.
Oliver: Bro, if you fall in, I'm screen-recording it forever.
Rowan snorted. "Thanks for the support, Oliver. Truly inspiring."
Before casting his line, he grinned at the camera, then reached for his jacket zipper, slowly pulling it down just enough to reveal a glimpse of his toned chest and the curve of his pecs. "Fishing requires patience," he teased, raising an eyebrow at the chat. "But so does giving the people what they want."
The comment section immediately erupted with reactions - laughing emojis, teasing remarks, and a dramatic eye-roll from Oliver.
Oliver: Put your damn jacket back on, it's freezing, model boy.
Rowan laughed, giving the camera a playful wink before tugging his jacket closed again. "Fine, fine. Can't have my best friend out here worrying about my health. Let's focus on the science."
He stepped onto a large rock near the water's edge, adjusting his stance before casting his line into the gentle current. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden streaks across the rippling surface. He sighed, tapping his fingers against the pole as he waited. Patience, patience…
Then, a sudden tug. His pulse quickened as he reeled in carefully, the line cutting through the water in swift zigzags. "Oh! We've got movement, people! Science is happening!"
Oliver: Bet it's just a soggy leaf.
"You know what?" Rowan huffed as he struggled with the line. "You have no faith, Oliver. I am a master angler. A natural-born fisherman."
Finally, a small minnow surfaced, wriggling frantically in the air. Rowan grinned, carefully unhooking the tiny fish and placing it in the sample jar he had brought.
"Not bad for a first catch!" He held the jar up to the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen, behold: the mighty minnow. Fierce, majestic, and absolutely terrified of me."
Oliver: That thing is, like, two inches long.
"Size doesn't matter, Oliver. What matters is that I won and nature lost."
The chat flooded with laughing emojis and comments cheering him on. The moment was ridiculous, fun, and lighthearted, the kind of thing he never realized he needed. The cool evening air, the soft ripple of the creek, and the setting sun painting the sky in oranges and purples - it all felt perfect.
Rowan leaned back on the grass, his phone still streaming. "Alright, I think that's enough fishing fame for one day. But mark my words, I'll be back, and next time… I'm going for something bigger."
Oliver: Sure you are, fish whisperer.
As the chat continued to spam reactions, Rowan leaned down in front of the camera, reaching to adjust something on his phone, his abs subtly coming into view. The movement was casual, but deliberate enough to get a reaction from the chat.
Chat: Whoa, wait, rewind. Did we just get a bonus show? Oliver: Rowan, this is not a thirst trap, stay focused!
Rowan chuckled, sitting back up. "Alright, alright, enough distractions. Before I end this, I wanted to ask you guys something. I got invited to a science event - kind of a big deal, and I need to figure out what experiment to present. Any ideas? Hit me up in the chat."
Suggestions started rolling in immediately, ranging from serious science topics to joke ideas about using his abs as a physics demonstration.
Oliver: Just go up there and flex, instant win.
Rowan rolled his eyes, but he was grinning. "Okay, ignoring Oliver's completely useless suggestion, I'm actually going to take these ideas into account. So keep 'em coming, and I'll see you guys next time. Science never stops."
With one last smirk at the camera, he ended the livestream, still laughing to himself. He exhaled, setting his phone down before leaning back onto his elbows, letting himself take in the view.
The Diner Surprise
The moment Rowan slid into the booth across from Oliver, his best friend wasted no time. "Alright, lift your shirt."
Rowan blinked, caught mid-sip of his drink. "Excuse me?"
Oliver smirked. "Don't act innocent. You teased everyone on that livestream, and I need to see if you've actually been working out or if it's just good lighting."
Before Rowan could protest, Oliver reached across the table, grabbing the hem of Rowan's shirt and lifting it just enough to reveal a glimpse of toned abs. Rowan swatted his hands away, laughing. "Dude! We're in a public place!"
"So? Science demands proof!" Oliver shot back, grinning.
Rowan shook his head, trying to suppress the flustered heat creeping up his neck. "You're impossible."
Oliver leaned back, crossing his arms smugly. "I knew it. You've been holding out on us."
Rowan rolled his eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "Alright, fine," he said, picking up a fry and tossing it at Oliver's face. "You win. I work out. Happy?"
Oliver caught the fry midair and popped it into his mouth. "Very. So, are we going to discuss this science fair thing, or are you just going to keep flexing for your fan club?"
Rowan snorted. "I was actually hoping for real advice, but considering your last suggestion, I'm not sure you're qualified."
Oliver grinned. "Hey, I support all your endeavors. Including using your abs for scientific purposes."
Rowan groaned, shaking his head as their food arrived. The teasing never stopped, but somehow, he wouldn't have it any other way.