The evening after the field trip, Rowan sat in his lab, his notebook open, filled with hasty notes from the hospital and science center visit. He traced his fingers over the pages, remembering every conversation, every fascinating discovery. This place, the world of science, of discovery - it felt right. Like he belonged.

But his mind wasn't just on research. Oliver. Something had been different about him today. There were moments when Rowan caught Oliver looking at him, a strange expression flickering across his face. Not quite annoyance, not quite amusement. Something else entirely.

A notification on his laptop pulled him from his thoughts. Rowan's blog had exploded in popularity over the last few months, his deep dives into scientific phenomena attracting an audience far beyond what he ever imagined. People wanted more.

Rowan, you and Oliver should do a celebration stream!We need a Q&A! Maybe some science experiments in the wild?Oliver and Rowan at the pond? Yes, please!

Rowan smirked, already picturing Oliver's reaction. This could be fun.

A knock at the door startled him. "Come in."

Oliver stepped inside, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets. "Figured I'd find you in here."

Rowan leaned back in his chair. "Where else would I be?"

Oliver shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe hanging out with your new science bestie."

Rowan rolled his eyes. "Not this again."

Oliver walked over, picking up Rowan's notebook, flipping through the pages absently. "I'm just saying. Feels like you're moving at light speed lately. Gotta make sure you remember to breathe."

Rowan smirked. "Are you worried about me?"

Oliver scoffed. "Please. I'd never admit that."

Rowan grinned. "Well, if you're so worried, let's do something fun. The blog's going wild, and everyone wants a stream. I was thinking we go to the pond, explore a little - "

Oliver raised a brow. "You mean, like, shirtless in the sun, running around like idiots?"

Rowan laughed. "Basically."

The next afternoon, Rowan and Oliver arrived at the pond, setting up the stream under the shade of a massive oak tree. The spring air was warm, the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers carried on the breeze. As soon as they took off their shirts, the chat erupted.

Oh my god, ROWAN, THOSE MUSCLES??Oliver is so slim and toned, wow. Delicious.Is it hot in here or is it just them?

Oliver laughed as he glanced at the screen. "Dude, your audience is thirsty."

Rowan smirked, flexing slightly for the camera. "What, you jealous?"

Oliver scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Please, I'm perfectly fine."

He stretched, his lean frame catching the golden sunlight, the lines of his torso elegantly toned. Rowan glanced at him out of the corner of his eye - slim, defined, and annoyingly attractive.

The chat went wild.

ROWIVER ENDGAME. CALLING IT NOW.Did you see the way Rowan looked at him? HELLO?Oliver's pecs are criminally underrated.

Rowan shook his head, laughing. "This was a terrible idea."

Oliver grinned. "Or the best idea ever."

They spent the next hour exploring the woods, skipping rocks, and answering chat questions, all while the audience screamed about the tension between them. Rowan dunked Oliver into the water at one point, only for Oliver to tackle him into the shallows right after.

Oliver surfaced, shaking water from his hair. "That was a cheap shot."

Rowan grinned, wiping water from his face. "You started it."

Oliver smirked, moving closer. "You're gonna regret that."

Before Rowan could react, Oliver splashed him full force, drenching his face and hair. The chat exploded.

DID HE JUST FLOOD ROWAN??Oliver is CHAOS, I love him.Just kiss already!!!

Rowan lunged at Oliver again, sending them both tumbling into the water in a laughing, breathless mess.

By the time the stream ended, they were soaked, breathless, and grinning like idiots.

As they packed up, Oliver nudged Rowan's shoulder. "Admit it. You had fun."

Rowan exhaled, shaking his head with a smile. "Yeah? I did."

Oliver smirked. "And you loved all the attention."

Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you didn't?"

Oliver looked away, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No comment."

The moment hung between them, playful but charged, as if something unspoken had been bubbling under the surface for a long time.

As they walked back to Rowan's car, the sun setting behind them, Rowan felt something shift inside him. Maybe this wasn't just fun anymore. Maybe it was something more.