The pool is quiet except for the soft echo of water settling against tile, late light scattering gold across the surface as Emily rests her forearms on the edge. Her breathing is steady now — too steady — and she hates how easily she can feel the difference. Daisy is still in the next lane, laughing under her breath at something she said minutes ago, unaware of the subtle warmth that had passed between them when their shoulders brushed mid-turn. It wasn’t much. Just a flicker. A pulse. But Emily feels stronger for it — clearer, sharper — and that realization sits heavy behind her ribs. She keeps her expression neutral when Daisy climbs out, water streaming down sun-warmed skin, and offers a small, controlled smile. “You always push that hard,” she says softly, eyes lingering a fraction too long before she deliberately looks away, “or is it just when I’m here?”