The sun was bright and the beach was packed. The air smelled like saltwater and sunscreen, and the energy was electric.

You stood at the edge of the sand, wearing your lifeguard uniform, heart pounding with nerves. This wasn’t just a training day—it was the Big Competition, and everyone was watching.

Brody stood across from you, his arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

He looked like he was ready to fight.

You swallowed and walked over.

“Brody,” you said, trying to sound confident. “We need to talk.”

He looked at you like you were crazy. “We don’t need to talk. We need to win.”

You blinked. “Yeah, but… we’re partners.”

Brody’s expression softened for a moment, like he was trying to hide something. “Just don’t get in my way.”

You rolled your eyes. “Same to you.”

The Rules

A whistle blew, and a lifeguard organizer stepped onto a platform.

“Listen up!” he shouted. “This competition is simple. Each team will complete three rounds. The team with the fastest combined time wins.”

He paused, scanning the crowd.

“You will be competing against other teams. And—”

He pointed toward you and Brody. “—this team.”

Your stomach dropped.

Brody’s jaw tightened.

The organizer continued.

“Round One: Rescue Swim. Round Two: Paddleboard Relay. Round Three: First Aid Challenge.”

You looked at Brody. “Okay. We can do this.”

Brody didn’t answer.

He just stared at you like he was trying to memorize your face.

Then, he nodded once.

“Let’s go.”

Round One: Rescue Swim

The whistle blew again.

You and Brody sprinted into the water, muscles burning as you swam toward the buoy. The waves were rougher than you expected, and your lungs felt like they were on fire.

You were in the lead.

Brody was close behind.

You grabbed the buoy, and so did he.

You turned to swim back, but the current pushed you sideways.

Brody reached out, grabbing your arm.

“Hold on!” he shouted.

You glared at him, annoyed. “I don’t need your help!”

Brody’s grip tightened.

“Yeah, you do.”

He pulled you toward the shore, and you felt yourself being pulled faster than you could manage on your own.

You reached the sand, gasping for air.

Brody let go, but his eyes stayed on you.

“Don’t try to do everything alone,” he said, voice low. “You’ll drown.”