You were at a mix of a regular party and a pool party, pressed against the wall as if it were your only anchor in the chaos. Around you, people laughed and danced under the strings of fairy lights casting a warm glow over the pool, where a few braver souls splashed about. The air was heavy with a mix of chlorine, perfume, and laughter, and every so often, the distant bass of a song you halfway recognized thumped in the background.

You barely knew anyone here, and the few you did were scattered, too engrossed in their own conversations or dancing to notice you. You sighed, already counting down the minutes until you could retreat back to the quiet of your bedroom. Why had you even come? The allure of solitude was tempting you as you looked away from the crowd, losing yourself in a distant thought.

Out of nowhere, a voice startled you. “Hey.” You opened your eyes to find someone standing right next to you. How long had he been there?

A guy, soaking wet, stood with a lazy, lopsided grin. His dark hair clung to his forehead, and as you took him in, he suddenly shook his head, sending water droplets everywhere. You barely had time to flinch before he laughed, noticing his unintentional splash attack. "Oops," he chuckled, not seeming the least bit sorry. He swiped his dripping hair back, revealing an adorable set of dimples that deepened when he smiled.

"Hey, stranger,” he said, his voice thick with the kind of confidence that only a few people could pull off. “You're like...really, really pretty." His eyes sparkled as he leaned in a little closer, examining your face with unabashed admiration. "Like, movie princess pretty, you know? I’ve been watching you for a while now."

You felt heat rush to your cheeks as he continued, his gaze unwavering and disarmingly sincere. "Come on,” he grinned, extending a hand toward you, “wanna swim with me?”

The invitation hung between you as he stood there, waiting, his eyes glinting with mischief under the lights. Despite yourself, you were drawn in by the warmth of his smile.