"Don't rush into love. You'll find the person meant for you when you least expect it."

Friday, November 17th, 2023.
Notting Hill, London.
9:00am.

The morning sun poured through the large windows of Oliver's photography studio, casting a soft, golden glow over the white backdrop that stood proudly in the middle of the room. Oliver adjusted the lighting kit, making sure the angles were spot on for the day's shoot.

"Oy, Ollie! Where do you want these props?" Maverick called out, heaving a big box crammed with assorted items for the shoot.

"Just pop them over by the backdrop, cheers," Oliver replied, his eyes still glued to his camera as he fiddled with the settings.

Today's assignment was a fashion spread for a local magazine. The theme? Vintage chic. Oliver had painstakingly gathered an eclectic mix of antique furniture and accessories to match the retro outfits the models would be donning.

As the models trickled in, Maverick greeted them with his usual cheeky grin, handing them the schedule and ensuring they were comfortable. He had that charm about him, the kind that put everyone at ease.

Oliver squinted into his camera, snapping a few test shots. He checked the results on his screen, then called out, "Mav, mind shifting that vintage chair a bit closer? I reckon it'll be perfect for the first set."

Maverick, ever the reliable mate, shifted the chair into position and stepped back to admire the setup. "Looks proper, Ollie. You've really knocked it out the park with this one."

Oliver smirked, giving a small nod of appreciation. "Thanks, mate. Got a good feeling about this one."

The first model took her place, striking a pose as Oliver began capturing the moment, his instructions calm and measured. "Turn your head just slightly... yeah, that's it... now, big smile."

Maverick hovered nearby, adjusting props, handing Oliver different lenses, always a step ahead. He was a good lad, the kind who knew what Oliver needed without being asked.

The day pressed on with the studio buzzing like a well-oiled machine. Models changed outfits, makeup artists flitted about, and Oliver kept snapping away, capturing the essence of vintage chic with every shot. Maverick kept everything ticking along smoothly, keeping the models in check and making sure Oliver had exactly what he needed.

By late afternoon, they were wrapping up. Oliver clicked a few last shots, then let out a deep, satisfied sigh as he lowered his camera. "That's a wrap, folks. Top work today, everyone!"

A round of applause filled the studio, and Oliver turned to Maverick with a grin. "Couldn't have done it without you, Mav."

Maverick slapped him on the back. "Anytime, mate. You know I've always got your back."

As they began packing up the gear, Oliver glanced at his camera, feeling that rare sense of accomplishment. Despite everything-the nagging thoughts of Samantha and the hole she'd left in his life-at least for now, surrounded by good company and doing what he loved, a faint glimmer of hope flickered. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.

After a long day's work, Ollie and Mav decided to unwind at a charming little café just down the road from the studio. As they stepped inside, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and they spotted their mates, Aiden and Leo, already lounging by the window with steaming cups in hand. The four of them had been thick as thieves since their uni days, and it felt good to catch up after such a hectic day.

"I'm tellin' ya, I've never seen Ollie sob so much in me life!" Mav said with a wicked grin, clearly enjoying himself a little too much. The subject of Oliver's breakup with Samantha had, once again, become the talk of the hour.

"Oh, belt up, Mav. I didn't cry that much," Ollie replied, crossing his arms defensively, though his cheeks flushed slightly.

"Wait a sec, so she left a letter and just legged it?" Leo asked, leaning forward with his usual curiosity.

"And how did you find the letter, Ollie?" Aiden chimed in, the two of them clearly ready to dissect every detail.

Ollie sighed, rolling his eyes as Mav jumped in. "Alright, alright. I know you've both got a million questions. And lucky for you lot, I'm here. I'll fill in all the blanks," Mav said, straightening his jacket as if preparing for a grand speech.

"No one's answering anything," Ollie interrupted, shaking his head. "This was ages ago, and I'm well over it."

Leo smirked, "Oh, but you wouldn't have been 'over her' if it weren't for Mav forcing you to read that letter, eh?" He gestured animatedly, earning chuckles from Aiden and Mav.

"You're welcome, mate," Mav said sarcastically, giving Ollie a playful nudge. "And then, of course, you cried like a proper lover boy after readin' it. Who's the softie, then?" Aiden teased, leaning in with a devilish grin.

"Ollie B! Ollie B!" Mav and Leo chimed in unison, causing the table to erupt in laughter as they took hearty sips of their drinks.

"And don't forget," Mav added, clearly not ready to let up, "I also convinced Ollie to get his fortune told."

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Really? And what pearls of wisdom did you receive?"

"Nothing special," Ollie said with a wave of his hand. "Some fortune teller, Madam Zora, said I'd find my soulmate in some odd place called Serendipity Springs at a quirky festival. But here's the weird part-I actually remember her name. Why on earth do I remember that?"

Leo nearly choked on his drink. "And you're not planning to go?"

Mav frowned. "Oi, I thought we'd all agreed to go! What happened to our holiday plans?"

Mav and Aiden nodded in agreement. "I'd definitely go, just for the fun of it. Who knows, this might be your chance to find love again-proper love," Aiden added with a grin.

"Hold on a sec, are you lot seriously giving me advice right now?" Ollie asked, bemused. "Well, I'd better do the opposite then," he joked. "Right. I'd do the opposite too if I were you," Leo laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Alright, on a more serious note, I think we should go. Ollie, do you still have that postcard?" Mav asked.

"Yeah, why? I think I've got it here somewhere... Oh, here you go," Ollie said, handing over the postcard. Mav, Aiden, and Leo leaned over to take a look.

"Blimey... it's a beautiful place," Aiden remarked. "Wait, there's a date on it," Leo pointed out. "You're right. December 23rd," Mav read aloud.

"So, that means the festival Madam Zora told me about would start then?" Ollie pondered.

"Brilliant. It's the perfect holiday plan," Mav said. "What holiday plan?" Leo asked.

"We need this holiday, lads. You know we've always wanted to go on a trip together, ever since uni. This is our chance," Mav explained, his tone convincingly persuasive.

Ollie was sceptical. "Hmm, I don't know, Mav. It just doesn't seem real to me. What if we get lost?"

"Are we kids or something?" Mav countered. "Look, think of it as a normal holiday, not some love quest. And what if you actually find your soulmate there, eh?" Mav added.

"Mav's right. We all need this. I haven't been on a trip in yonks," Leo agreed.

"Hey, what about that time we visited my grandparents' house? That was a trip, wasn't it?" Aiden chimed in.

"No, it wasn't. Their house was just a few miles away from yours. That's hardly a trip," Leo rolled his eyes.

"Exactly my point. We all need this. It'd be a win-win for all of us," Mav said.

Ollie started raising concerns, "What if I don't meet her? What if she doesn't like me? What if something unexpected happens? What if-"

"Oh, come off it, Ollie. Really? Stop imagining the worst and start looking at the good side of it, mate," Mav interrupted.

"Yeah, what's the worst that could happen?" Leo asked.

"She falls in love with me instead of Ollie?" Aiden joked.

They all shot him sharp looks. "Or not," Aiden quickly corrected himself.

"Anyway, we're going, and that's final," Mav said, banging the table thrice like a judge delivering a verdict.

Aiden and Leo grinned from ear to ear, buzzing with excitement over their first real holiday. Ollie didn't have a say anymore. It had been decided-they were going to Serendipity Springs.

"Seriously, what would you ever do without me, Ollie?" Mav grinned.

"Probably loads of things," Ollie rolled his eyes.

"Looks like I've got plans for the holidays then," Aiden said.

"Who'd have thought?" Leo added.

"Serendipity Springs, here we come!" Mav shouted.

"Oh, Aiden, guess who Ollie and I ran into earlier today," Mav said, his grin widening.

"Who? Blake?" Aiden guessed.

"Wait, what? How'd you know?" Mav asked, surprised.

"I knew about the event today. Why'd you think I didn't go?" Aiden smirked. "Blimey, she really holds a grudge," Leo remarked.

"You know what? I'm calling her," Mav said, reaching for his phone. "What? Why?" Aiden asked. "We need the full squad for this holiday to work," Mav replied.

"No, don't! You know she hates me," Aiden pleaded.

"You shouldn't have broken her heart then," Ollie laughed.

"She was every bloke's dream, you know," Leo added.

"Alright, alright, it's my fault," Aiden finally conceded.

Mav returned after a few minutes on the phone, looking all serious and troubled.

"What? She's not coming?" Aiden asked, a hopeful tone in his voice.

"She's in!" Mav shouted, bursting into hysterical laughter.

"Oh no, I'm doomed," Aiden groaned, burying his head in his hands.

"I may or may not have told her Aiden's not going, but I managed to convince her to come," Mav added cheekily.

"What?" Aiden exclaimed. "What did you say to her, Mav?" Ollie asked.

"No need to worry, lads. I've got this handled," Mav assured them.

"Oh no, I'm so screwed," Aiden muttered. "You sure are, mate," Leo said.

As the group carried on with their banter, the café buzzed with their energy. The lads were going to Serendipity Springs, and whether it was for love, mischief, or adventure, one thing was certain-it was going to be a holiday they'd never forget.

Would Oliver finally meet his soulmate?