The cool water splashed around as the boys dove and resurfaced, laughing and spraying each other. The afternoon sun glimmered off the surface of the river, turning it into a sheet of gold as Jean floated lazily on his back while Shawn tried to dunk him.
"Careful, scientist," Jean coughed between laughs, pushing Shawn away. "If you drown me, you'll have to write your research papers alone!"
Shawn chuckled, shaking his head as he treaded water. "Relax, I'll just dedicate the paper to my late partner, the noble Jean. The world will remember you as the kid who couldn't even handle shallow water."
"Shallow?!" Jean scoffed before splashing water directly into Shawn's face. "Wait until we get to the deep side. Then we'll see who panics first."
Their laughter echoed across the riverbank. For a moment, the worries of competitions, teachers, and giant corporations felt far away. It was just the two of them—friends, geniuses, and kids enjoying a stolen afternoon of freedom.
After a while, they drifted closer together, resting against the smooth river stones. Shawn tilted his head back, letting the water run down his face.
"So, what are you gonna do with your prize money? They gave us a good amount this time."
Jean brushed his wet hair away from his eyes. "What about you first?"
Shawn didn't hesitate. "Easy. I'm saving mine for future projects. You know how expensive parts are these days. Circuits, processors, nanofibers… if I start now, by the time I'm sixteen, I'll have enough to build something groundbreaking." His eyes lit up instantly. "A real invention that changes everything."
Jean shook his head with a laugh. "Only you would think about circuit boards while sitting in a river."
"And only you," Shawn shot back, "would talk to machines like they're actual people. Admit it—you call your drone 'buddy' when nobody's listening."
Jean pointed accusingly at him. "That's still better than calling your drone 'darling' like you did last year."
Shawn nearly choked on water. "That was a slip of the tongue! And we agreed never to bring that up again!"
Jean burst into laughter while Shawn tried—and failed—to look offended.
Eventually, the teasing faded, and Jean's expression became slightly more serious. He lowered his voice a little, like he was about to reveal some great secret.
"Actually… I already know what I want to do with my money."
Shawn immediately leaned closer. "Go on."
Jean scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I'm planning to buy flowers."
"…Flowers?"
"For Sally."
For one full second, Shawn simply stared at him.
Then he exploded into laughter so violently he almost swallowed river water.
"Flowers?! For Sally?!" He clutched his stomach while wheezing helplessly. "Oh no… my genius partner, the great Jean, has become a hopeless romantic."
Jean immediately splashed water at his face, but that only made Shawn laugh harder.
"Wait, wait—" Shawn raised both hands dramatically. Then he cleared his throat and spoke in an exaggerated voice. "'Oh Jean, these flowers are beautiful… but not as beautiful as your calculations when building machines.'"
Jean groaned loudly and covered his face. "You're the worst person I know."
"I'm helping you prepare!" Shawn grinned. "She's either going to faint from happiness or laugh in your face."
Jean shoved him into the water, and moments later both boys were laughing again.
After calming down, Jean leaned back slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You keep teasing me about Sally, but what about you?"
Shawn blinked. "What about me?"
"At this rate, you're going to marry one of your inventions." Jean nodded seriously. "I can already imagine it. Mr. Shawn and his beautiful bride… the toaster."
Shawn stared at him in disbelief. "The toaster?"
"Yes." Jean looked disturbingly serious. "And instead of wedding music, the guests will hear bread popping out."
Shawn burst into laughter. "Alright, that's it!"
He launched a wave of water directly at Jean's face. Jean retaliated immediately, nearly knocking Shawn over with the splash. Soon the two boys became whirlwinds of water and laughter, their battle sending ripples across the river.
Eventually, Shawn raised a hand while panting from laughter. "Okay, okay. You win the toaster joke round." He pointed toward the far side of the river where tall reeds swayed gently. "But let's settle this properly. Race. First one there wins."
Jean smirked instantly. "And what does the winner get?"
"The loser admits he's the worst swimmer in history," Shawn declared proudly. "And he carries both bags when we head back home."
Jean scoffed confidently. "Done. Prepare to carry my stuff."
Shawn adjusted his posture dramatically like an Olympic athlete preparing for a world final. "On three."
"One."
"Two."
"Three!"
Both boys shot forward instantly. Water exploded behind them as they cut through the river side by side. Shawn relied on raw power while Jean swam with cleaner, faster strokes.
Halfway through, Jean pulled slightly ahead. He turned his head just enough to flash Shawn a smug grin.
"Try harder, machine boy!"
Shawn gritted his teeth and pushed harder. His arms sliced through the water as determination flashed across his face. Slowly, inch by inch, he closed the distance.
The riverbank rushed closer.
With one final burst of effort, Shawn lunged forward and slammed his palm against the rocky edge just before Jean reached it.
"Yes!" Shawn shouted triumphantly, throwing his fist into the air while water dripped from his face. "Winner!"
Jean grabbed the edge a second later, breathing heavily. "No way. You cheated somehow."
Shawn laughed loudly. "Don't be a sore loser. I told you—you're carrying both bags back."
Jean rolled his eyes, though the grin on his face betrayed him. "Fine. But just so you know, I let you win. Can't destroy your confidence too badly on your birthday."
"Excuses," Shawn replied smugly while wiping water from his eyes. "Face it. I'm simply the better swimmer."
"Better swimmer today," Jean corrected while pointing at him. "Tomorrow, you'll be begging me for a rematch."
Shawn only grinned wider.
Under the fading sunlight, with cold river water dripping from his hair and victory buzzing in his chest, the world felt impossibly light.