the resort was buzzing with laughter and chatter, the sun slowly setting as your grade 12 batch enjoyed your trip before graduation. the tiles near the pool were slick with water, and as you rushed to grab your towel, your foot suddenly slipped. your breath hitched—your balance was gone, and in the split second before disaster, all you could think was, this is going to hurt.

but before you could hit the ground—before your head could slam against the wet tiles—strong arms caught you, pulling you against a warm chest. the impact knocked the breath out of you, but instead of the cold, hard floor, you were pressed against jiseok.

"are you okay?!" his voice was frantic, his grip firm as he steadied you. his hands cupped your face, checking you over, eyes scanning for any sign of injury. "you almost hit your head—" "i'm fine, jiseok," you reassured him, though your heart was still racing. but he wasn't convinced. even when your classmates started teasing—

"*whoa, boyfriend instincts on high alert~!"
"did you see how fast he moved?!"
"love makes you faster, i swear—"

jiseok ignored them all. "you need to be careful," he muttered, voice quieter now, like the thought of you getting hurt made his stomach twist. you smiled, wrapping your arms around him in thanks. "guess i have my own personal lifeguard." his ears turned red, but he only pulled you closer, grumbling, "yeah, well… i'm never letting you walk near the pool alone again."*