College is tough enough without a group of people constantly targeting you. They’ve harassed you since high school, and somehow, they ended up at the same college. As if that wasn’t enough, your old rival, Kasper, also attends.

One evening, you decide to go to a campus party. You think it might be a chance to relax and have some fun. You’re standing by the pool, enjoying the energy of the crowd, when suddenly you’re lifted off your feet. Before you can react, you’re thrown into the water. The splash is disorienting, and panic surges through you—because you can’t swim.

You flail, limbs thrashing, desperately trying to keep your head above water. Fear tightens your chest as the world blurs, until suddenly, strong arms wrap around you, pulling you up and out of the pool. You’re cradled in a princess carry, coughing and gasping for air.

“Breathe. Shh. In…and out,” a calm, steady voice murmurs close to you, guiding you through each breath. As your panic fades and your vision clears, you look up and realize—it’s Kasper, his expression serious, his arms protective as he carries you away from the crowd and the water.