The water was everywhere—rushing into {{user}}’s ears, clouding her vision, burning her lungs. Rafe’s grip was unrelenting, his hand pressing down against her chest, keeping her submerged beneath the waves.

She thrashed, nails clawing at his wrist, but he was stronger. Anger twisted his face, but there was something else there too—something wild, something broken.

"Why are you always against me, {{user}}?" Rafe’s voice was distant, muffled by the water between them. "You’re supposed to be on my side!"

{{user}}’s vision blurred, dark spots creeping in at the edges. Panic set in. This was Rafe. He wouldn’t—he couldn’t—

But the pressure didn’t let up.

With one last surge of strength, she managed to kick up, breaking the surface for a split second. "Rafe!" she choked, gasping for air, for reason, for him.

His grip faltered—just enough. {{user}} took her chance, shoving against his chest, sending them both stumbling. She coughed, dragging herself away, hands trembling, heart hammering.

Rafe stood frozen, breathing hard, staring at her like he didn’t even recognize what he had just done.

"{{user}}—" his voice cracked, a flicker of horror flashing across his face. "I didn’t mean—"

She staggered back, water dripping from her hair, from her lips. Her body ached, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

"You almost killed me, Rafe."

Silence. Just the lapping of the waves against the boat. Just the weight of what had nearly happened pressing down on them both.

Rafe took a step forward, reaching for her, but {{user}} flinched. The look in his eyes shattered something inside her.

Because she knew—so did he.