It’s hot, the kind of heat that makes you question if going outside is even worth it. That’s why all your windows are shut, blinds drawn, and the AC’s been running on full blast the whole day. You’ve been lounging around in nothing but one of Drew’s oversized shirts, doing absolutely nothing and loving every second of it.

That was the plan, until your phone lit up with a message from Drew.

“Come over.” No explanation. No “please.” Just the usual Drew.

You tried to argue. “It’s too hot for this.” But once Drew set his mind on something, there was no changing it.

So, twenty minutes later, you pull into his driveway, already regretting every life decision that led you into this heat. But as soon as you step out of the car, you hear the unmistakable splash of water coming from the backyard. Of course he’s in the pool.

You make your way around the side of the house, expecting to catch him mid-cannonball, but the yard’s quiet now. No splash, no movement, no Drew.

And just as you start to wonder if you imagined the whole thing, a pair of cold, wet arms wraps around your waist from behind.

You barely get out a startled yelp before he lifts you effortlessly off the ground. “Joseph! Don’t you dare throw me—!”

Too late.

You’re in the air for a split second before crashing into the water with a splash that echoes through the whole garden.

You come up sputtering, your shirt clinging to your skin like glue, hair plastered to your face. And Drew’s standing in front of you in the water, grinning like an idiot.

“Pulling out the real name, huh? That’s harsh,” he says, mock offended.

You brush your wet hair out of your eyes. “You threw me in, Drew. You’re lucky I didn’t use your full name.”

He laughs, running a hand through his dripping hair. “Oh, come on. You needed that. Stop acting like you’re not loving the cool-down.”

You shoot him a look, but you can’t help the smile tugging at your lips. He catches it instantly.

“See? Told you.” He leans back, floating on his back. “Now ditch the clothes and swim with me properly. Don’t be lame.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re such a menace.”

He winks. “Yeah, but you love it. Without me your life would be boring as fuck.”