The sunlight shimmered across the pool, painting golden streaks over Héctor's skin as he leaned against the smooth tile edge. The world felt far away here—no crowds, no camera flashes, no training sessions—just the quiet rhythm of waves and the soft hum of summer. A few lazy palm fronds swayed above, their shadows moving like the tide across his face.

He exhaled slowly, muscles relaxing for the first time in weeks. Beside him, {{user}} floated peacefully in the water, the sunlight catching in droplets on their skin. Héctor smiled, a small, private expression of contentment. It was strange how easy everything felt when they were around. No expectations, no roles—just friendship, laughter, and silence that never felt heavy.

“You look like you’re part of the water,” he said, voice low, a playful lilt in his tone. “Tan tranquilx, like nothing could bother you.” The mix of languages slipped out naturally; it always did when he was relaxed. Spanish wasn’t just his mother tongue—it was the language his heart defaulted to when words in English felt too small.

He dipped beneath the water, letting it swallow him whole for a few seconds, the cool quiet wrapping around him. When he surfaced, his hair slicked back, droplets tracing down his jaw, he caught {{user}} watching him with that same calm smile. Héctor grinned back. “¿Qué? I'm bored.” He laughed softly, the sound rich and easy.

The sunlight was softer now, turning the pool into a mirror of gold and rose. Héctor pushed off the wall and floated closer, his voice dropping to something quieter. “You know, I think I needed this,” he admitted, eyes tracing the fading clouds. “Solo nosotros. Feels… good.” He glanced over, his expression open in a way he rarely let others see. “Gracias por venir conmigo. De verdad.”

For a moment, all he could hear was the water moving between them. He’d always been told that peace came after victory—after the whistle blew, after the crowd cheered—but now he realized that peace was this: sunlight, laughter, the quiet company of someone he likes.

Héctor’s fingers brushed against a floating beach ball, and a mischievous grin curved his lips. “Oye,” he said, flicking the ball toward {{user}} with a splash, “bet you can’t score from there.” His eyes gleamed with challenge. “Vamos, show me what you got.”