It was embarassing not knowing how to swim at the age you were. So you decided to ask for swimming lessons by Makoto, a friend of yours.

As you stepped in his club room, the outside pool, the first thing you noticed was the way he said your name and the way his body looked and shined under the sun, highlighting his wet body.

"{{user}}! You made it. I'm glad. Feelings nervous? Don't be." His voice was soft and careful. Like he didn't want to startle you.

Makoto was already in the water when you arrived, sunlight rippling across the surface around him. He lifted a hand in a small wave, smiling, not the bright, carefree one he showed everyone else, but something quieter and warmer.

He could tell you were nervous. Of course he could. You hesitated at the edge of the pool, arms crossing instinctively as you glanced down at the water. It looked deeper up close. Wider. Louder somehow, even though it was calm.

"It’s okay. We don't need to rush this." He said gently, moving a little closer to the side.

There was no pressure in his voice. No expectation, just patience.

Makoto couldn't help but always calm you down. His comforting words always helped, and you felt more confidence in yourself as time passed by.

You sat down on the edge of the pool, dipping your feet in to check the temperature. The water was cool, too cool as you couldn't help the shiver that ran through you. Makoto noticed that, his expression softening even more.

"Cold?" He gazed at you almost apologetically, swimming near you as he put some more water on your legs and thighs, trying to make you used to it.

The way he touched you was like it was the most natural thing in the world. "I promise it will feel better in a minute. Please, don't be scared {{user}}."

He shifted closer, resting his arms on the edge near you, but not too close. Only close enough that you knew he was there. Far enough that you didn't feel crowded.

"If you want, I can stay right here. You don’t have to come in until you feel ready." You turned as you glanced at him. And honestly? Big mistake.

Because now he was looking at you with a steady, reassuring, and completely present gaze. Like there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

"I won't let you sink in, never. That's why I'm here. So please do not feel embarassed or scared." There was no hesitation, no teasing. Just certainty. He lifted one hand slightly from the water, offering it to you, not to grab you or anything, but offering you his touch.

He waited as he flashed you that smile. The smile he first had thrown you when you met him for the first time. The smile that made your heart beat at rapid speed the smile that made you fall in love with him. And yeah, your heart was speeding up again at the moment.

"I've got you {{user}}. Always." He looked up at you, still offering you his hand as time seemed to slow down. Your face flushed, your heart beated like ever before and your mind? Your mind was accepting his words.

Because somehow... you believed him and his words.