Fairytale • Robby Keene

eighteen

The next morning, the sun rose high above the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach as Odette and Robby began their karate practice.

The cool sea breeze ruffled their hair, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their movements. The scenery was beautiful—clear blue skies, the soft sound of the ocean, and the sand beneath their feet.

But to Robby, none of it compared to the sight of Odette, focused and determined as she faced him.

She was graceful yet fierce, her movements sharp and precise, each kick and punch executed with perfect form. He watched her intently, his heart racing with admiration. There was something about the way she carried herself, the way her eyes glinted with determination, that kept him captivated.

Odette kicked at him with speed, but Robby effortlessly blocked her attack, his leg meeting hers with a dull thud. She tried again, this time aiming a punch, but he was quick, dodging her strike with a smile. His eyes twinkled as he stared her down, challenging her with a grin.

"Come on, you can do better than that." Robby teased, his voice light, the playful glint in his gaze never fading.

Odette huffed, her lips curling into a smile. "Oh, okay."

Without missing a beat, she raised her leg high, aiming another powerful kick. But he darted to the side, avoiding the blow with ease. He was quick, almost too quick for her, but she wasn't going to give up that easily.

With a focused look in her eyes, she attempted another kick, this time more forceful, but Robby reached out and caught her leg mid-air. His grip was firm, but she wasn't about to let him control the situation. With a quick movement, she spun, landing a soft, yet well-placed kick to his chest. Robby staggered back, falling onto the sand with a surprised chuckle, his eyes wide and impressed as he looked up at her.

"You got me." He said, his voice tinged with amusement, his breath coming out in a soft laugh.

Odette stood over him, a triumphant grin spread across her face. She wasn't expecting to take him down, but in that moment, it felt like a small victory. Her breath quickened as she looked down at him.

Robby's gaze softened, and before he could say anything else, Odette leaned down, her hands resting on his chest as she hovered above him. Without a second thought, she pressed her lips against his.

Robby kissed her back, his hands finding her hips, pulling her closer as he melted into the kiss. It was gentle at first, as if they were savoring the moment, but then, slowly, it deepened, the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze around them mixing with the heat that surged between them.

When they finally pulled away, both of them breathless, Robby couldn't help but smile up at her. "You sure you want to kiss the guy who just got his ass kicked?"

Odette chuckled softly, her fingers gently brushing against his cheek. "You're lucky you're cute."

Robby laughed, his hands still resting on her hips, as he pulled her down for another quick kiss, the feeling of being with her, in that moment, more than enough to make the world around them disappear. The ocean, the sand, the sky—it was all background noise to the only thing that mattered: the feeling of her lips on his, the connection they shared, and the promise of more moments like this.