The pool glows under the lights, rippling softly. Edvin leans against the wall, waiting, eyes fixed on you the second you slip into the water.

“Finally,” he says, his voice low, calm. “Thought you’d leave me here.”

“And miss the look on your face while you waited?” you reply, swimming closer. “Not a chance.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “You enjoy testing me, don’t you?”

“Maybe I just like seeing how long you’ll last.”

He pushes off the wall, closing the distance until you meet in the middle. His gaze doesn’t waver. “What if I don’t mind waiting?”

Your hands find each other under the surface, brushing, lingering. “Then I guess you’ve already lost.”

The silence is thick, unbroken, until—

“Cut!” the director calls.

Edvin grins boyishly and shakes his head, pulling away with a laugh. He swims to the steps and climbs out, water dripping down his shoulders. Extending his hand, he helps you out, steadying you as you shiver in the air.

“You’re freezing,” he teases, shaking his head again.

Before you can reach for your towel, he grabs it himself, unfolding it and wrapping it around you in one smooth motion. For a beat, his hands linger at your shoulders, holding the towel snug as he smiles at you.

“Better?” he says, eyes soft, playful but warmer than the words allow.

And despite the chill, your chest feels unbearably warm.