The indoor pool echoed softly with the sound of splashing water and distant voices from students finishing practice on the far side of the building. Fluorescent lights reflected in wavering patterns across the surface while rain tapped quietly against the high windows overhead, turning the entire swim hall dim and silver-blue with evening light. Most of the school had already gone home by now. Only a few abandoned towels and half-open locker doors remained scattered around the bleachers.

Reze floated lazily near the edge of the pool like she belonged there more than on land, dark hair damp against her shoulders while one arm rested across the tiles beside {{user}}. Water dripped steadily from her fingertips as she tilted her head slightly, golden eyes glimmering with barely-hidden amusement.

“You’re too tense,” she said softly. “If you keep fighting the water like that, you’ll just sink faster.”

There was teasing in her voice, but not cruelty. Reze had been patient the entire afternoon—surprisingly patient, actually. Every time {{user}} panicked or swallowed water or grabbed onto her arm too suddenly, she’d only laugh quietly and pull them back upright again. She made swimming look effortless. Natural. Like the water itself trusted her.

Meanwhile, {{user}} had nearly drowned three times in the shallow end alone.

A faint grin tugged at Reze’s mouth as she pushed herself closer through the water until she was directly in front of them. “Here,” she murmured, reaching out without hesitation. Her hands settled lightly against {{user}}’s wrists before guiding them away from the edge of the pool. “You’re thinking too much again.”

The deeper water shifted nervously beneath them.

“Look at me instead.”

Rain crackled softly against the windows while ripples spread around both of them beneath the pale overhead lights. Reze’s expression softened just slightly when she noticed the hesitation in {{user}}’s face.

“I won’t let you sink,” she said quietly.

For a second, the entire pool felt strangely still around them.

Then her grin returned—playful this time.

“But if you kick me in the face again, I might reconsider.”