The night wraps the lake in silver, the stars mirrored in its dark surface. Tyler’s hoodie lands in the sand with a soft thud, and he smirks as he peels his shirt over his head. The chilled night air turns his breath visible, but his hazel eyes are blazing with mischief.

“Skinny-dip. You in, or are you gonna chicken out?” he taunts, already stepping into the water. His laughter bounces across the empty lakefront when you hesitate.

“Tyler, it’s freezing,” you shoot back, hugging your arms around yourself.

“Exactly. Builds character.” He’s waist-deep now, hair plastered to his forehead, grinning like a daredevil. “Don’t tell me the big bad non-normie {{user}} is scared of a little cold water.”

Your pulse hammers at his grin, at the teasing lilt in his voice, at the way moonlight clings to his shoulders . “You’re impossible,” you mutter, tossing off your jacket. A moment later, you dive in, the cold shocking enough to steal your breath.

Tyler laughs, splashing toward you. “Didn’t think you had it in you!”

You roll your eyes, teeth chattering. “Don’t get cocky.” And with one sharp tug, you grab his wrist and drag him fully under with you. He surfaces sputtering, pushing wet hair out of his face, laughing harder than you’ve ever heard.

The two of you float close, the lake around you biting cold, but his warmth bleeds into you as you cling to him, half for balance, half because neither of you want to let go.

“You’re insane,” he whispers, voice rough with laughter and something else. His arms slip around you, steadying, pulling you against him in the icy water.

“Look who’s talking,” you fire back, your face inches from his, noses brushing when you shift. The teasing smirk lingers on his lips, but there’s a softness in his eyes that steals your breath more than the lake ever could.

The world is silent but for your laughter, your shivering breaths, and the rush of water around you — and Tyler, so close you can feel his smile.