The boat rocks gently beneath my feet as the sun climbs higher over the water, turning the entire ocean into a sheet of glittering blue. I lean against the railing, pretending to be fascinated by the horizon while really I’m just watching her.

{{user}} is standing a few steps away from me, hair messy from the salty wind, squinting against the sun as she looks out across the endless water. She has no idea why we are here. No idea what’s about to happen.

And honestly, trying not to ruin the surprise might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

“Lando,” she says suspiciously, turning toward me, “why are we on a boat in the middle of nowhere?”

I shrug, forcing the most innocent expression I can manage. “It’s your birthday. I’m allowed to do mysterious birthday things.”

Her eyes narrow slightly. She knows me too well.

“Your mysterious birthday things usually involve trouble.”

“That’s offensive,” I say. “Sometimes they involve cake.”

She laughs softly and shakes her head, turning back toward the water again. The sound of it does something stupid to my chest, the way it always does. We’ve been traveling for a few days now, hopping between tiny islands, sleeping in ridiculous beach villas and eating way too much delicious food. But today..today is the part I’ve been waiting for.

The captain gives me a subtle nod from the front of the boat.

We’re here.

My pulse jumps.

“Alright,” I say, pushing myself off the railing. “Birthday girl. Come here a second.”

She turns toward me, curious now, stepping closer across the deck.

“What?”

I reach down and pick up the snorkel gear sitting beside my feet, holding it out to her.

She blinks.

“..why do you have that?”

“Because,” I say slowly, watching realization creep across her face, “you once told me your biggest dream was to swim with whale sharks.”

For a second she just stares at me.

The wind, the ocean, the quiet hum of the boat engine - everything fades into the background while the words sink in.

“You didn’t,” she whispers.

I grin. “Oh, I absolutely did.”

Her hands fly to her mouth, eyes already shining as she looks from the snorkel gear to the water and back to me.

“Lando..”

Before she can finish the sentence she throws her arms around my neck, nearly knocking me backward with the force of it. I laugh, wrapping my arms around her waist as she presses her face into my shoulder.

“Happy birthday,” I murmur.

When she pulls back, her excitement is almost vibrating through her.

“Are they really here?” she asks quickly. “Like - actual whale sharks?”

Right on cue, the guide at the side of the boat suddenly points down into the water.

“Shark! Just there!”

{{user}} gasps.

We both rush to the edge of the boat and look down.

And there it is.

A massive shadow glides slowly beneath the surface, elegant and calm, white spots scattered across its dark blue skin like constellations.

Even I forget how to breathe for a second.

“Lando,” she whispers, grabbing my arm, “it’s huge.”

“Yeah,” I say quietly, smiling as I watch her face light up in pure disbelief. “And in about two minutes..you’re swimming next to it.”

She looks at me like I just handed her the universe.

And honestly?

Watching her right now - wind in her hair, eyes bright, happiness written all over her face - feels better than any race win ever could.

“Best birthday ever?” I ask.

She laughs breathlessly, already pulling the snorkel mask over her head.